The Rajasthan Assembly witnessed heated exchanges during the debate on the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025. BJP MLA Gopal Sharma stirred controversy when he urged Congress legislators Rafeek Khan and Amin Kagzi to “return to their original religion.” His remarks immediately drew criticism, with many opposition members calling them inappropriate and communal in nature. Sharma defended his stance by insisting that “ghar wapsi” or returning to one’s ancestral faith is not conversion but restoration, a view often promoted by the Sangh Parivar.

Congress MLA Rafeek Khan strongly objected to Sharma’s statement, asserting that his “original religion is the one he was born into — Islam.” He argued that asking someone to change their faith is itself a violation of the provisions outlined in the very bill being discussed. Khan further pointed out that by encouraging others to convert, Sharma was ironically committing an act that could be interpreted as unlawful under the new legislation. His remarks drew support from several Congress colleagues who accused the ruling BJP of misusing the bill to push a divisive agenda.

The bill, which was passed by voice vote on September 9, prescribes strict punishments for conversions carried out through fraud, coercion, or inducement, with penalties ranging from seven years to life imprisonment and hefty fines. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect vulnerable communities from exploitation, while critics fear it will be misused against minorities and interfaith marriages. State Home Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham defended the law, saying it is essential to maintain social harmony and prevent forced conversions. However, the exchanges in the Assembly highlighted how the issue of religion remains deeply contentious in Rajasthan’s political landscape.