After Yogi Adityanath, Haryana Minister hints at anti-‘Love Jihad’ legislation

‘Love Jihad’ has become a talking point in the political discourse after the recent brutal killing of a 21-year-old Nikita Tomar in Haryana by one Tauseef Ahmad. It seems at least two States are mooting anti-‘Love Jihad’ legislation.

Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that those who hide their identity and hoodwink women will be pursued by the law. He quoted the Allahabad High Court and said that religious conversion just for the sake of marriage is not acceptable.

A day after Yogi’s promise to bring in a law criminalizing ‘Love Jihad’, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij, too, hinted at a similar law.

As per the latest reports, Akhara Parishad in Uttar Pradesh has issued a statement welcoming Yogi’s assertion. The issue is likely to become polarizing in the coming years if states make laws against ‘Love Jihad’.

‘Love Jihad’ has been a controversial topic. Several Hindu leaders and outfits have said over the years that Muslim men woo Hindu women in the name of love and marriage, only to forcibly convert them into Islam.