First reconversion in MP, VHP to ‘purify’ 160 Christians today

As Christian conversions are mounting criticisms in the country, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) members have decided to get a step ahead by galvanizing the converted Hindus, to re–convert to their faith.

Considered to be the first "re–conversion ceremony" in Madhya Pradesh, as many as 160 Christians will be returned to the Hindu fold by today, said the VHP and Shree Sampraday Seva Samiti members.

VHP Dewas district secretary Nandkishore Dwivedi confirmed to a secular news that 160 Christians will be “purified” amid “rituals” and “chanting of hymns” at the Chimnabai Girls Higher Secondary School in Dewas town’s Meera Bawdi locality.

Among the mass, will be the converts from Gujarat, Maharashtra and two tribal dominated taluks of Dewas district, who will be purged at a day long, three–hour purification process.

However, in Jhabua district, where Hindu organisations accused Christians of converting tribals in large numbers, no re–conversion ceremony ever took place.

“We haven’t forced anyone. They have all agreed to return to their original faith willingly and have given us affidavits,” Dwivedi asserted.

The Hindu leader also said, the organisers decided to bring converts from Gujarat and Maharashtra, due to the locals being scared to convert.

The Shree Sampraday Seva Samiti followers who identify themselves with Swami Narendracharyaji Maharaj claimed they brought over 26,000 families who strayed to other religions, back to the Hindu fold in the last 18 months.

Meanwhile in Dewas, police have taken precautionary measures, after function organisers alleged that several posters announcing "re–conversion" were torn last night. A complaint has also been registered with the police.

Recently the followers of Swami Jagadguru protested at several airports in the country after he was denied permission to board a plane with his mace. Citing the incident, the Sampraday's MP unit Chief Rajendra Garud warned, "If more posters are torn, the followers will be forced to act like they did when the Swami was not allowed to board a plane with his mace."

Last year, the Samithi followers alleged that, the Swami converted more than 1300 Christians to Hinduism at a ceremony in Maharashtra.