Now, in the true sense, the 'beloved sisters' (Ladkya Bahini) will be protected
Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Government has passed the 'Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026' in both Houses during the Legislative Assembly session.
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has wholeheartedly congratulated the State Government for this commendable decision.
The Hindu community had been demanding such legislation for a long time, and with its passage, the law has now come into effect in the state. It is hoped that this law will effectively curb incidents of so-called "love jihad," in which Hindu girls are allegedly deceived, as well as large-scale religious conversions carried out through financial inducements. Now that the bill has been passed, it is essential that the law be implemented strictly and effectively.
Earlier, the State Government introduced schemes providing financial support to "Ladkya Bahini" (beloved sisters). By bringing in this law, which aims to ensure their protection in a broader sense, the government has now strengthened their security, stated Shri Ramesh Shinde, National Spokesperson of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.
Maharashtra becomes the 13th state to enact such a law!
He further stated that the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has been actively raising awareness about the issue of "love jihad" across the country for the past 20 years. At a time when even mentioning the term was considered controversial, the organization published its first book on the subject in 2006.
The Samiti's speakers have delivered thousands of lectures on "love jihad" and religious conversion, conducted awareness campaigns through hundreds of public meetings, organized exhibitions, and held numerous protests during incidents such as the Shraddha Walkar case. Large-scale rallies were also organized through the Hindu Janasangharsh Morcha. Additionally, the organization has provided counseling to hundreds of young women who were allegedly affected by such cases.
As a result of sustained awareness efforts, anti-love jihad laws have been enacted in 12 states, while legislative processes are underway in three more states. With this development, Maharashtra has now become the 13th state to introduce such legislation.
Public awareness about the law is necessary!
State Coordinator of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Shri Sunil Ghanwat, stated that religious conversions carried out through inducements have significantly altered the demographic composition of several regions. Out of the 7 northeastern states of India, 5 have become Christian-majority states, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. Overall, Hindus have become a minority in 9 states and Union Territories across India, reflecting the scale of the conversion challenge.
While congratulating the State Government once again for enacting the law, he emphasized that efforts must now be made to ensure widespread public awareness. The government should actively promote understanding of the law so that it reaches society at large. Awareness programs should be conducted in schools across the state, and special outreach initiatives should be implemented in tribal-majority regions to educate people about the provisions of the law.