New Delhi: The issue of alleged forced conversion in Agra has been creating ruckus in parliament over the past few days. The Rajya Sabha will discuss the issue today even as the opposition demands Prime Minister Modi's participation in the debate.
The Opposition parties raised issue of alleged forced conversions of Muslims in Agra amid reports of another planned conversion of Christians and Muslims in Aligarh by one of the RSS-affiliated organisations.
Raising the issue in Rajya Sabha yesterday, K C Tyagi (JD-U) said VHP has passed a resolution that seeks removal of mikes from mosques even though Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees freedom to practice and preach religion.
The government had agreed to discuss the issue on Dec 17 after the opposition vociferously raised the issue in both houses of parliament.
This issue rocked the Parliament Tuesday again when opposition MPs entered the well of the Rajya Sabha, shouting slogans against the government. They were demanding a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.
Congress MP Rajiv Shukla said, "We want the Prime Minister to make a statement on the issue. We maintain our stand. We want a discussion on the issue."
Other regional parties also demanded statement by PM Modi. Samajwadi Party MP Naresh Agarwal said, "We don't trust anyone from the government except the Prime Minister."
TMC MP Derek O'Brien said, "We want the PM to come and participate in the debate on conversion row. We are a responsible opposition and we have passed nine bills in this session. Unless the PM comes to the House we won't let it function. The onus is now on the government to run the House."
Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien had to reprimand MPs saying this was the height of indiscipline by MPs.
