A coalition of Christian leaders in Karnataka has pressed the state government to withdraw the contentious 2022 anti‑conversion statute, saying its continued existence is harming community welfare and breaching earlier political promises. The delegation met top Congress leaders in Bengaluru to demand repeal, funds promised for community development and land for a new Protestant cemetery — issues they say require immediate action before the next assembly session.
The group, led by Indian Christian Federation state president Prashanth Jatanna, handed a memorandum to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad and Health Minister U.T. Khader. Members included bishops from the CSI Karnataka Southern, Central and Northern dioceses — Hemachandra Kumar, Vincent Vinod Kumar and Martin Borgavi — along with representatives of Pentecostal churches and the Indian Christian Federation’s state office-bearers.
What the delegation asked for
Their demands combined legal, financial and practical relief. In short, the delegation wants the state to act on commitments made when power changed hands and to address immediate community needs.
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- Repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022 (widely referred to as the anti‑conversion law).
- Release of the remaining funds promised under the Karnataka Christian Community Development Corporation.
- Allocation of roughly five acres in north Bengaluru (near Yelahanka or Devanahalli) for a new Protestant cemetery.
Leaders recalled a one‑day hunger strike staged in Belagavi during an earlier assembly session to protest the law. They said senior Congress figures, including Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, had previously assured protesters that the statute would be withdrawn if the party formed the government — a pledge that has not yet been fulfilled, they noted.
| Item | Promised (₹ crore) | Released so far (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka Christian Community Development Corporation allocation | 250 | 85 |
Jatanna told officials that the delayed release of state funds was hitting the most vulnerable: economically disadvantaged students and poorer community members who were supposed to benefit from welfare measures. The delegation welcomed Hariprasad’s verbal assurance that the repeal would be tabled in the upcoming assembly session, but they emphasized they would press for concrete action.
Requests for burial land reflect a separate, immediate need. Delegation members said existing Protestant cemeteries at Adugodi and along Mysuru Road are approaching capacity due to population growth, making new land essential for dignified burials.
Why this matters now: the issue combines rights, public policy and everyday community services. Repeal of the law would resolve a high‑profile political promise and alter the legal landscape for religious activity in the state. Release of the remaining development funds and allocation of cemetery land would produce tangible short‑term relief for families and students dependent on state support.
Officials have signalled the matter will be taken up in the next legislative session. Observers and community leaders will be watching whether the government converts assurances into legislative action and budgetary releases — changes that would have immediate consequences for the groups involved.
