Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule informed the State Assembly that the government is set to demolish unauthorized churches in the state and is considering introducing a stringent law to curb religious conversions.
Responding to a debate initiated by BJP MLA Anup Agrawal and others in the Assembly, Bawankule said he would consult Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on framing a strict anti-conversion law. “A strict law to prevent religious conversions will be enacted in the state,” he said.
The minister specifically referred to unauthorized churches in the Dhule-Nandurbar belt, where he has instructed the divisional commissioner to conduct a probe and ensure the demolition of such structures within six months. Nandurbar, a Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, is home to tribal communities like the Bhil and Pawra. The government has expressed concern over the cultural impact of religious conversions in these regions.
MLA Gopichand Padalkar alleged that in Navapur taluka, Christian missionaries and recent converts are enticing tribals and non-tribals into converting through inducements and incentives. He claimed that more than 150 unauthorized churches have been built on village and government land without permission from either the Gram Panchayat or the Home Department.
Taking serious note of these allegations, Bawankule said, “Immediate action will be taken against unauthorized church constructions in Nandurbar. As per government orders dated May 5, 2011, and May 7, 2018, any church built without prior permission will be removed.”
The minister announced that a state-wide survey of unauthorized religious structures will be completed within six months, and a high-level inquiry into the issue has already been initiated. He assured that all actions will be taken in line with Supreme Court rulings and state regulations.
Further, Bawankule stated that a comprehensive study of conversion cases will be conducted to guide the development of stringent legislation. Discussions on this matter with the Chief Minister and legal experts are also on the agenda.
Several BJP leaders, including MLAs Sudhir Mungantiwar and Sanjay Kute, supported the issue raised by Padalkar. Kute emphasized that religious conversions are occurring not just in Nandurbar but across tribal regions of Maharashtra.
MLA Atul Bhatkalkar questioned the rationale behind the six-month timeframe for demolition and demanded immediate action. Bawankule responded that complaints needed to be verified before proceeding but assured that illegal structures would be demolished following due process.
Anup Agrawal further alleged that missionaries in Navapur (Dhule district) are using foreign funding for healthcare and education initiatives as a front to convert tribals to Christianity.
