THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, July 26: Jharkhand BJP on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the state government over its decision to rename Atal Clinics, operational in slums and rural areas, as Mother Teresa Clinics, alleging it to be part of a larger conspiracy to promote religious conversion.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s state headquarters, senior BJP leader and former Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri said the move is “highly objectionable” and an insult to the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who created Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000.
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‘Name Change a Conspiracy’
Bauri alleged that the Hemant Soren government is using healthcare services as a cover to encourage conversions. “The government’s decision to rename Atal Clinics as Mother Teresa Clinics is a big conspiracy. Conversion has been a major problem in the state, and this move will only accelerate it,” he claimed.
While acknowledging Mother Teresa’s humanitarian work, Bauri added, “It is also a fact that institutions linked to her have faced allegations of child trafficking and have been accused of changing people’s identity, religion, and culture under the guise of service.”
Questioning State Govt’s Intentions
The BJP leader questioned the relevance of Mother Teresa’s name in Jharkhand’s context, asking, “What is her contribution to Jharkhand? If the Chief Minister supports this decision, he should publicly announce it through the media.”
Bauri further asserted that the name change is not aimed at improving healthcare but is a “government-sponsored attempt to encourage conversion.” He expressed concerns that the government may soon hand over the running of these clinics to NGOs allegedly involved in conversion activities.
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BJP Vows Strong Opposition
Recalling Vajpayee’s contribution, Bauri said, “Atal ji fulfilled the dream of a separate Jharkhand on November 15, 2000. Today, the government is insulting his memory by renaming clinics established in his honor by the Raghubar Das government.”
He declared that the BJP will not allow this “conspiracy” to succeed and warned of strong protests both inside the Assembly and on the streets.
Party spokesperson Avinesh Kumar Singh and media in-charge Shivpujan Pathak were also present during the press conference.
