Desai referred to Jadhav’s remarks in the Assembly, noting that the opposition legislator had voiced support for the proposed law aimed at regulating religious conversions
Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai. Pic/X
A day after the Maharashtra government introduced the draft Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, in the state Assembly, Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai on Tuesday welcomed the development and highlighted support expressed by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav during the legislative proceedings, reported news agency ANI.
Desai cites Bhaskar Jadhav’s speech in Assembly
Speaking to reporters, Desai referred to Jadhav’s remarks in the Assembly, noting that the opposition legislator had voiced support for the proposed law aimed at regulating religious conversions. “Yesterday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav spoke in the Assembly regarding this Bill, and we support it. We welcome it,” Desai said.
He added that the backing from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction for what he termed a “constructive measure” was a positive step, indicating a rare moment of alignment across political lines on a sensitive issue, reported ANI.
Uddhav Thackeray extends support to Bill
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also extended his party’s support to the proposed legislation, formally known as the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to curb unlawful religious conversions across the state, reported ANI.
Addressing the media, Thackeray reiterated that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, any conversion carried out through coercion, threats, or inducements must be dealt with strictly. “If someone uses threats or unfair means to force conversion, action should be taken. We support the Bill,” he said, reported ANI.
Government outlines intent behind legislation
The draft legislation was introduced in the Assembly by Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar, who pointed to increasing instances of alleged forced religious conversions in recent years. He stated that such incidents could disturb public order and harm social harmony.
While presenting the Bill, Bhoyar emphasised that the proposed law aims to address conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion, or inducement, and to establish legal safeguards against such practices.
Fadnavis clarifies scope of the law
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified in the Assembly that the Bill does not restrict an individual’s right to voluntarily change their religion. Instead, it seeks to prevent conversions carried out through illegitimate means such as deception or pressure, reported ANI.
He stated that any conversion proven to have been carried out through force, fraud, or inducement would be considered invalid under the proposed law and could be subject to legal action.
Focus on preventing unlawful conversions
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, proposes provisions to curb conversions conducted through misrepresentation, undue influence, coercion, or marriage. The government has maintained that the legislation is intended to safeguard individual choice while preventing exploitation and maintaining social harmony.
The Bill is expected to be discussed further in the Assembly before being finalised, with both the ruling alliance and sections of the opposition indicating support for its broader objectives.
(With inputs from ANI)
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