Hassan, January 3: Pejawar seer Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji's demands for more stringent laws on religious conversion and cow slaughter have stirred a debate in Karnataka. The state's ruling BJP government has already enacted and implemented the controversial Anti-Conversion Act and Anti-Cow Slaughter Law.

A delegation of Christian religious leaders have made a submission to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai regarding the withdrawal of the Anti-Conversion Act. The opposition Congress has said that the two legislations will be repealed if it comes to power following the Assembly polls this year. Karnataka: 67 Arrested, 707 Cattle Rescued During Bakrid Festival.

However, the influential Pejawar seer during his visit to the Raghavendra Mutt in Hassan on Monday stated that though the government has enacted the legislations, incidents related to the two issue are still taking place. Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill Passed by Karnataka Assembly Amid Opposition Parties' Boycott and Walkout.

"The government should give special attention to make the laws in this regard more powerful," he said. "The governments are enacting laws as per the demands of the people. But, these are becoming an eye wash. There is a need to implement the law in this direction in its true spirit.

"Despite the Anti-Conversion Act, the forceful religious conversions have not stopped. Families are being divided leading to loss of lives and growing hatred. The government should make special efforts to make the existing law more powerful," the seer added.

He further claimed that cow slaughtering is also continuing in the state, adding that "many people eke their livelihood out of selling cow milk. Their cows are being taken away for slaughtering".

"The government and the police department should take stringent action in this regard to prevent such developments... Only then peace and harmony are possible in the society."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 03, 2023 01:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).