Critics Warn of Communal Tension Over Maharashtra’s 2026 Conversion Law

Senior politicians from SOPA and Congress warned that the Maharashtra Religion Freedom Act, 2026, could spark communal unrest. ST Hasan of SOPA told reporters that the law contradicts the basic principle that any adult can freely change religion, and that forced or profit‑driven conversions should be nullified. He highlighted ongoing trends of people moving between Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, arguing that the legislation would only deepen mistrust among communities. Congress leader Husain Dalwai added that the state cannot bind the younger generation to any religion, while Surendra Rajput called for a broader debate before the law is enforced.