BJP leaders plan to protest against a Prayer Conference in Bangalore

A Christian Prayer Conference hosted by Bethel Assemblies of God (AG) Church in Bangalore is facing opposition and likely protest by Hindu nationalists due to the likely presence of Pastor and Evangelist Rev. Benny Hinn from the United States as one of its guest speakers.

Christian Prayer Conference has been scheduled from January 15-19, 2014 daily from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily at the Supernova Arena and Convention Centre, Yehalanka Airforce Base in Bangalore.

The guest speakers invited also include Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, popular evangelist from Nigeria, Rev. Paul Dhinakaran from Chennai, local evangelist Rev. M A Varughese and the host pastor Rev. Johnson V. In the five-day event, Rev. Hinn is scheduled to preach on 15th, 16th and 17th January.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Bangalore said they will oppose the visit of Benny Hinn to Bangalore and accuses Hinn of forcibly converting people under the garb of prayers. The leaders wrote a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not to give permission for the event.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad International President Praveen Togadia, Vishweshwara Teertha Swamiji of Udupi's Pejawar Mutt and Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik are expected to join the protests against Hinn.

The last time Benny Hinn visit Bangalore was in 2005. A major protest had erupted but the show finally went on thanks on thanks to a ruling by the Karnataka high court that had permitted the event to go on.

The 2005 'Prayer for India' was attended by both Janata Dal-Secular supremo and former Prime Minister of India Deve Gowda and then Chief Minister Dharam Singh, much to the disliking of their political opponents.

This year, there an entry fee for the event. The organisers have fixed the entre fee at Rs.850/- and sittings will be on 'first-come first-serve' basis.

The organisers assured that this is only a prayer meet for the sick and not a conversion camp.

For reservation, call: 080-65687777 or register online at the official website of the Prayer Conference: http://www.prayerconference.in