Chhattisgarh’s Religious Conversion Disputes: Bodal Village Clash Sparks Communal Tensions

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai links rising communal tensions to religious conversions during his visit to Bastar. The remarks come after a violent burial dispute in Bodal village, where a Christian family’s attempt to bury a deceased relative sparked a clash with the local Hindu community. The violence left eight injured, including the village sarpanch.

While opposition leaders criticize the government’s handling of the issue, journalist Rajat Vajpayee points to the lack of basic services in tribal areas as a driving force behind conversions. Religious conversions are expected to play a significant role in upcoming local elections, with the state government proposing a conversion regulation bill.

The growing communal tensions reflect the socio-economic challenges surrounding burial rights and tribal Christianity in the region, demanding urgent attention and resolution.