Christian Unity Forum, Bastar Division strongly condemns the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill and demands its withdrawal

*Christian Unity Forum, Bastar Division strongly condemns the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill and demands its withdrawal*

*CPI (ML) Red Star calls the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill a black law*

Raipur, April 14, 2026:
On April 13, a massive public meeting was organized at City Ground, Jagdalpur under the leadership of the Christian Unity Forum, Bastar Division, condemning the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill and demanding its withdrawal. Thousands of women and men participated in the सभा.

Addressing the gathering were Bishop Akhilesh Edgar from Raipur, Pastor Ajay Paul, Comrade Katlam (CPI), Amarjeet Patel (State President, Mool Nivasi Sangh), Chowa Ram Sahu (Caste Annihilation Movement), Comrade Saura (State Secretary, CPI (ML) Red Star), V. N. Prasad Rao (Convenor, Jan Sangharsh Morcha Chhattisgarh), Advocate Son Singh Jhali, and other speakers.

Screenshot

Screenshot

Screenshot

Screenshot

Comrade Saura, State Secretary of CPI (ML) Red Star, stated that on April 13, 1919, the day of Baisakhi, thousands had gathered when General Dyer ordered indiscriminate firing, killing hundreds. Today, the fascist RSS-BJP government has brought the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, which is a preparation for brutal repression against minorities, especially the Christian community. This bill is a more cruel version of the one introduced during the Raman Singh government in 2006. It violates Article 25 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees every individual the freedom to practice religion of their choice.

According to CPI (ML) Red Star, this bill has been deliberately introduced to target minorities, particularly Christians and Muslims. This became evident when a tweet from the Chief Minister’s/CMO’s account spoke about freeing the state from “non-believers,” although the tweet was later deleted. The Chief Minister or his advisors must clarify what is meant by the term “non-believers.” Does the state government have any data on how many people have been converted through inducement since 2006? Or how many cases of forced conversion have been registered since the present government came to power in 2003?

Available information suggests that no such forced conversions are taking place in the state. Chhattisgarh is facing severe poverty and unemployment, while natural resources—jal, jungle, zameen—are being handed over to corporate houses under state patronage. As a result, attacks on poor working people are intensifying in the interests of corporate forces.

The hardships of Dalits, oppressed sections, women, Adivasis, minorities, and the working masses are increasing. To divert attention from these issues, the Sangh-backed, Manuvadi fascist forces find it necessary—like in Maharashtra—to launch a new hate campaign against minorities, especially Christians and Muslims. Under this campaign, incidents such as harassment of Christian nuns in Durg, attacks on Christian communities and their prayer sites by Bajrang Dal groups, obstruction of burial rites in Kanker and across Bastar, and even exhumation and reburial of bodies at unknown locations by the administration are being carried out.

All speakers unanimously stated that today, corporate houses are ruling the country in alliance with Sangh-backed fascist forces. The Modi government is serving corrupt corporate giants like Adani and Ambani. The poor, working masses, oppressed sections, SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities are suffering. There is an urgent need for all to unite and fight against these fascist forces.

The Bastar Division convention of the Christian Unity Forum in Jagdalpur has called upon all democratic and progressive forces of the state to unite and strongly oppose this conspiratorial and divisive bill.

Comrade Saura
State Secretary
CPI (ML) Red Sta uh