In a surprising political alignment, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has declared his party’s backing for the newly passed Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam 2026, also known as the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill. Speaking to the press on Monday, Thackeray clarified that while the right to choose one’s faith is a constitutional pillar, his party will not tolerate conversions achieved through exploitation, threats, or fraudulent "luring".
The legislation, which was introduced by the state government to address what it describes as a rising trend of forced conversions, has sparked a fierce debate over its scope and intent. Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar, who tabled the bill, argued that such incidents have begun to undermine social harmony and public order in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also quick to defend the law on the floor of the Assembly, insisting that it is not a blanket ban on changing one’s religion. Instead, he explained, the law seeks to ensure that any conversion found to be the result of deceit or coercion is declared null and void by the courts.
The bill, however, has not been met with universal approval. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has emerged as its most vocal critic, branding the law as "worse than the worst". In a scathing critique posted on X, Owaisi argued that the Maharashtra version is even more draconian than existing laws in states like Uttar Pradesh. He pointed out that the bill’s broad language — specifically its prohibition of conversion via "brainwashing through education" — could be weaponised to target individuals arbitrarily and make life impossible for interfaith couples.
As of now, the legislation is focused on conversions that were secured through misrepresentation, undue influence, and inducement, including marriage. While the Government claims that the Bill is a much-needed protection of vulnerable citizens, Owaisi, one of the opponents of the Bill, believes that this is a brazen attempt to intrude into the private lives of citizens. Now, with Shiv Sena (UBT) taking the side of the ruling coalition, the legislative intent of the Bill is quite clear, even though the political heat is rising in the state.
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