Archive · 28 Dec 2025
Assam BJP Chief Defends Religious Freedom
The Assam BJP president, Dilip Saikia, has spoken out against forced religious conversion, emphasizing that while the Constitution allows the practice of all religions, forceful conversion should not be encouraged.
He made these remarks after an incident where Christmas decorations were vandalized at a school in Nalbari.
Saikia clarified that helping the poor should not be used as a tool for conversion and defended the Bajrang Dal, stating they work within the constitutional framework.
The Assam Christian Forum, however, criticized Saikia's remarks, saying they linked the vandalism to broader religious issues, which could inflame communal tensions.
The forum stressed the importance of upholding law and order and communal harmony.
Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia opposes forced religious conversion, especially converting Hindus to other religions.
Saikia emphasizes that the Constitution guarantees the freedom to practice and celebrate all religions.
He clarifies that social service should not be linked to religious conversion.
The Assam Christian Forum criticizes Saikia's remarks, stating they link vandalism to religious conversion and risk inflaming communal tensions.
Saikia defends the Bajrang Dal, asserting they work within the constitutional framework.
- Who
- Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia and the Assam Christian Forum (ACF).
- What
- Remarks on religious freedom, forced conversion, and the vandalism of Christmas decorations.
- When
- Remarks made on December 28, following the vandalism incident on Christmas Eve.
- Where
- Nalbari, Assam, India.
- Why
- To address concerns over religious freedom, forced conversion, and the vandalism incident.
BJP's Stance
Assam Christian Forum's Stance
Religious Conversion
BJP's Stance
Opposes forced conversion, especially converting Hindus to other religions, and believes social service should not be linked to religious conversion.
Assam Christian Forum's Stance
Expresses shock and concern over remarks that link vandalism to religious conversion, stating it dilutes the seriousness of the crime and risks inflaming communal tensions.
Vandalism Incident
BJP's Stance
Did not directly address the vandalism incident but emphasized the right to celebrate all religions and the need to avoid forceful conversion.
Assam Christian Forum's Stance
Thanked authorities for arresting those involved in the vandalism but criticized the BJP leader's remarks for contextualizing the vandalism and making unsubstantiated claims.
- Event
- Remarks by Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia on religious freedom and conversion.
- Incident
- Vandalism of Christmas decorations at St Mary’s School in Nalbari.
- BJP's Stand
- Opposes forced conversion and supports the right to celebrate all religions.
- Assam Christian Forum's Stand
- Criticizes remarks linking vandalism to religious conversion, emphasizing communal harmony.
- Bajrang Dal
- BJP leader asserts that Bajrang Dal works within the constitutional framework.