Gujarat tribal activists voice concern at BJP MLA’s ‘proselytisation bid’

Tribal activists in south Gujarat are increasingly concerned with the rampant proselytisation in the region. In Vyara, allegations have been made against local BJP MLA Mohan Konkani for actively encouraging evangelism. Arvind Vasava from Dev Birsa Sena alleges that about 1,500 illegal churches have come up across the district, which are not registered with the state government and are proselytising the tribal populace.

“Local MLA Mohan Konkani is actively encouraging these activities,” Vasava told ET adding that Gid Madi Dungar, a hillock in Songadh Block, that has long been a holy shrine for the animistic tribes, is now out of bounds for the aboriginals. A video of Konkani addressing a religious gathering has gone viral in social media where he asks the attendees to bring in more people.

“A concrete road has come up along with a church on the hillock dedicated to Mother Mary and we are no longer even allowed to visit our shrine and make offerings,” Vasava said, adding representations have been made to the state government without any result.

Vasava and his outfit have been staging protests against conversion and seeking protection of the tribal identity in the area.

When contacted, Konkani refused to talk about the issue over the telephone. Earlier, he had denied the allegations made by Morari Bapu. BJP media cell coordinator Yagnesh Dave declined to comment.

VHP joint secretary, Sharm Prasad Vibhag, Dharmendra Bhavani said: “BJP should have kept candidates like Konkani on a leash after giving them tickets for the assembly election.”