CPI (ML) Red Star Strongly Condemns the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill
Says It Is a Preparation for Brutal Repression of Minorities, Especially the Christian Community
Raipur, March 22, 2026: Comrade Saura, State Secretary of CPI (ML) Red Star, in a statement issued today, said that the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 is a preparation by the fascist Sangh–BJP government for brutal repression of minorities, especially the Christian community. This bill is a more draconian version of the law introduced during the Raman Singh government in 2006. It violates Article 25 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees every person the freedom to practice religion according to their own will.
According to CPI (ML) Red Star, the bill has been deliberately introduced to target minorities, especially Christians and Muslims. This became evident when a tweet from the Chief Minister Sai/CMO’s official account spoke about making the state “free from ‘vidharmis’ (heretics).” Although the tweet was later deleted, the Chief Minister or his advisors must clarify what they mean by the term “vidharmi.” Does the state government have any data on how many people have been induced to convert since 2006? Or how many cases of forced conversion have been registered since the BJP government came to power in 2003?
Available information suggests that no such religious conversions are taking place anywhere in the state. Chhattisgarh is facing severe poverty and unemployment, while land, forests, and natural resources are being handed over to corporate houses with state patronage. As a result, attacks on poor working people are intensifying in the interest of corporate capital. Under the protection of senior BJP leaders, the state is increasingly turning into a hub of narcotics or an “opium state.” The hardships of Dalits, oppressed communities, women, Adivasis, minorities, and the working masses are continuously increasing.
To divert attention from these pressing issues, it has become necessary for the Sangh’s Manuvadi fascist forces to launch a new campaign of hatred against minorities—especially Christians and Muslims—similar to what is happening under the fascist double-engine government in Maharashtra. As part of this campaign, incidents such as the harassment of Christian nuns in Durg, attacks by saffron outfits like Bajrang Dal on Christian communities and their places of worship across the state, obstruction of burial rights of Christians in Kanker and the Bastar region, and even the forced exhumation of bodies and their reburial at unknown locations by the administration are taking place.
CPI (ML) Red Star has appealed to all democratic and progressive forces in the state to unite and strongly oppose this conspiratorial and divisive bill.
Comrade Saura
State Secretary
CPI (ML) Red Star
