India: the words of a leader of the BPJ on the conversion to Hinduism arouse controversy

The Indian government has blocked the bank accounts of Mother Teresa's missions in their crusade against the country's religious minorities.

© AP / Bikas Das

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In India, interfaith tensions are mounting as important parliamentary elections approach.

This Monday, December 27, the youth president of the ruling BJP party affirmed that "

converting back to Hinduism was a priority for the country

", arousing the indignation of part of the political class. 

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With our correspondent in Bangalore

,

Côme Bastin 

After the fight against the supposed forced conversions of the monotheists, the time has come to convert Indian citizens back to Hinduism.

This is the opinion of Tejasvi Surya, president of the youth branch of the Hindu nationalist party BJP.

For this influential parliamentarian, the Hindus must exercise power and therefore be in the majority in Indian democracy.

For this, the State must set itself annual reconversion objectives in order to guarantee the rejuvenation of the faithful.

These statements, filmed during a religious meeting in Karnataka this Sunday, immediately aroused the indignation of Internet users and the opposition. 

Shocked to hear that on Christmas, Union Ministry FROZE ALL BANK ACCOUNTS of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in India!



Their 22,000 patients & employees have been left without food & medicines.



While the law is paramount, humanitarian efforts must not be compromised.

- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 27, 2021

This Monday, December 27, Tejasvi Surya declared to withdraw his remarks. 

The controversy, however, takes place against a backdrop of growing attacks against religious minorities.

During the Christmas feast, several masses were interrupted by Hindu extremist groups, worried about the influence of this religious holiday. 

Mother Theresa's missions were also frozen by decision of the federal government on Monday.

Fanatics accuse the congregation founded by the famous Catholic nun of proselytizing. 

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