Kochi: Making it clear that there was no question of government supporting the controversial ‘ghar wapsi' programme, Union Minister of State for Minorities Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said state government and the Centre would together frame a “strong” legislation to stop any forceful conversions.
“The agenda of our government and agenda of our party (BJP) is inclusive development, development, development and development. No agenda can dominate on the agenda of development. That is why if anything goes wrong, the state and central government will sit together and form strong legislation to stop such forceful activity, Naqvi told reporters when asked about the controversial ‘ghar wapsi' programme of the VHP.
“As far as the ground reality is concerned, we will not allow these types of activities and actions. State government should take strong action. There is no question of any support or no question of any concession,” he said. Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the “icon” of development, he said as far as security of minorities is concerned; it is guaranteed by the government to every section of the society, including minorities.
Asked if the controversy had ‘dented' the image of the government, he said, “It is temporary. It will come and go. Our commitment is development. Nobody can dent it”, he said. “This issue is not today's issue or since the last six months. Since the last several years it has been going on. Some are opposing and some are supporting. Our country is a secular country. The secular and democratic character of the country cannot be destroyed or disturbed”, he said. The government was committed to development agenda through good governance and empowerment to all, he said.
