‘Religious conversion is not govt’s concern,’ says minister Shah:Claims people decide their own faith; highlights neglect of icons such as Birsa Munda

Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has said that religious conversion is a personal decision and not a government issue. He made this remark during a press conference in Jabalpur ahead of the Tribal Pride Day programme. Shah also spoke about tribal contributions to India’s freedom movement, achievements of tribal communities today, and preparations for the upcoming celebrations. He further addressed past controversies linked to his statements. Conversion is a personal decision, says minister On Friday in Jabalpur, Minister Shah responded to questions about tribals turning towards other religions.He said that religious conversion is “not the government’s matter, but an individual’s personal choice.” Journalists had asked him about reports of many tribal people being attracted to conversion. Tribals did not receive due respect after independence Shah was speaking at a press conference held for the Tribal Pride Day programme.He said that tribal icons such as Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Veerangana Rani Durgavati, Raja Shankar Shah and Kumar Raghunath Shah made great sacrifices during the freedom struggle.He added that it was unfortunate that they did not receive proper recognition after independence. Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda as Tribal Pride Day nationwide. Tribal daughters bringing honour to the country The Minister highlighted achievements within the tribal community.He said that tribal daughters are excelling both in India and abroad.He mentioned Kranti Gaur from the Indian women’s cricket team and said that the community is proud of her. Shah also noted that coarse grains like Kodo and Kutki, once considered tribal food, are now sold in malls across India for Rs 100 to Rs 150 per kilogram.He said this has increased the value of tribal produce. Senior leaders to attend Birsa Munda Jayanti event Shah shared details of the upcoming Tribal Pride Day celebrations in Jabalpur.He said that the programme will showcase tribal culture. Those attending include Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Deora, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, Minister Vijay Shah, and Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the event virtually from Narmada district in Gujarat. Honouring outstanding tribal personalities Shah said that several tribal achievers will be honoured at the event.These include Padma Shri Bhajju Shyam, Padma Shri Arjun Singh Dhurve, cricketer Kranti Gaur, international archer Ragini Marko, and Srishti Singh.He said these personalities have brought pride to the state and the country at national and international levels. Minister Shah’s earlier controversial remarks Shah has previously been in the news for his comments about Colonel Sofia Qureshi during the discussion on Operation Sindoor.On 11 May in Raikunda village, Mhow, he had made controversial remarks, saying:“They stripped our Hindus and killed them, and Modi ji sent their sister to their house to mess them up.” He further said that the Prime Minister could not “strip them” himself, so he sent a woman officer from their community.According to Shah, this was meant to avenge the suffering of Hindu women by sending a woman from their community to Pakistan. Colonel Sophia Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Vikram Misri from the Ministry of External Affairs had given details of Operation Sindoor during a press conference. Court action on Shah’s statement The High Court expressed displeasure over Shah’s remarks.It directed that a case be registered against him.The Supreme Court also criticised him during a hearing on 19 May.An SIT was asked to investigate the matter.