Chhattisgarh BJP MLA stokes row with ‘slit throat’ comment on religious conversion, Congress condemns

Rikesh Sen, an MLA from the Bharatiya Janata Party in Chhattisgarh, stoked the controversy after an alleged video of him went viral on Saturday in which he spoke about “slitting the throats” of those indulging in religious conversion. Sen’s statement was condemned by the Congress, which demanded action from the Election Commission. He is an MLA from Vaishali Nagar in Durg district. According to news agency PTI, the video was reportedly shot during a Hanuman Jayanti event at Patel Chowk in Durg.

“Hindu Navvarsh (Hindu New Year) should not be celebrated just for one day. When you go out in the morning, you should have ’tilak’ on your forehead and Hanuman Chalisa should be recited daily. Even if you have to sacrifice your life to celebrate Sanatan and To protect Hindutva, do so, but never convert. If anyone tries to convert to religion, slit his throat,” he reportedly said, as quoted by PTI.

When questioned about the statement, Sen’s media in-charge Santosh Mishra said the MLA was out of position but claimed the former stood behind his comments. Congress Chhattisgarh leader Sachin Pilot slammed Sen’s comments and said such statements on religion, caste and community will not help in creating a healthy democracy. “The Election Commission must take action,” Pilot told reporters at Raipur airport, as quoted by PTI.