THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Oct 15: BJP State Spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo on Tuesday alleged that illegal religious conversion activities are thriving across Jharkhand under the protection of the state government. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Shahdeo claimed that so-called “healing prayer meetings” — locally referred to as Changai Sabhas — are being organised openly near the State Secretariat and Police Headquarters without any preventive action from the authorities.
“It is unfortunate that these illegal Changai Sabhas are being held just 5 kilometres from the Secretariat and Police Headquarters,” Shahdeo said, accusing the administration of turning a blind eye despite repeated local objections.
According to Shahdeo, residents of Chand village under Hardag Panchayat, located barely 5 kilometres from Project Bhawan, have raised objections through the Gram Sabha, submitting a written demand to ban these gatherings. “When the tribal villagers themselves are demanding a ban, why is the government ignoring their voices merely for appeasement?” he asked.
The BJP spokesperson alleged that such activities have continued unchecked throughout both tenures of the Hemant Soren-led government, claiming that “appeasement politics” has prevented effective action.
“Use of the Term ‘Maha Abhishek’ Misleading Locals”
Shahdeo also referred to a newly established church in Jharkhand that has come under scrutiny for using the term “Maha Abhishek” in its name. He argued that the phrase, which refers to the ritual bathing of a deity with sacred water or milk in Hindu traditions, is inconsistent with Christian practices that prohibit idol worship.
“Using a term like ‘Maha Abhishek’ is clearly intended to confuse and mislead local people,” Shahdeo alleged. He further recalled an earlier instance where a church reportedly dressed a statue of the Virgin Mary in a red-bordered sari resembling traditional tribal attire.
BJP Demands Immediate Ban on Illegal Changai Sabhas
Concluding his address, Shahdeo urged the state government to immediately ban all illegal Changai Sabhas across Jharkhand, where “miracles” are claimed and conversion activities allegedly promoted.
State Co-Media In-Charge Yogendra Pratap Singh was also present at the press conference.