Ally JDU slams BJP over 'love jihad' bogey, new laws

Patna, PTI: At a time when BJP ruled states are making legislation against conversion for marriage to stop so-called 'love jihad', its Bihar ally JDU has slammed the new laws. The Nitish Kumar's party on Sunday asserted that the so-called 'love jihad' laws will create social hatred and division in the society which it does not approve of.

"An atmosphere of hatred and division is being created in the society in the name of Love Jihad," senior party leader KC Tyagi told reporters after the party's national executive meeting here.

The term "love jihad" is used by right-wing activists to refer to the alleged campaign of Muslims forcing Hindu girls to convert in the guise of love.

"Provisions of the Constitution and CrPC give freedom to two adults to choose life partners of their choice irrespective of one's religion, caste or region," Tyagi said.

The Cabinet in BJP governed Madhya Pradesh on Saturday passed a Bill which provides for prison term of up to 10 years and fine of Rs 1 lakh for conversion through marriage or by any other fraudulent means.

The bill in some ways is similar to an Ordinance notified by the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh last month.