VHP announces 'ghar wapsi' programme in Rajasthan

Notwithstanding the row surrounding it, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has announced to hold its 'ghar wapsi' (reconversion) programme here on January 4 to "bring back" Christian families into the Hinduism fold.

"The programme will be held on January 4 to bring back those people into Hindu fold who have been converted from Hindu to Christians in the past," Mahesh Sharma, VHP district president told reporters on Wednesday. According to Sharma, the list of the people who would participate in the programme was being finalised.

"There are several families who voluntarily want to come back to the religion," he said.

He alleged that several Hindu families were converted to Christianity in areas like Khetri, Pilani, Dundlod, Buhana and Mandrela areas in the district.

On December 8, in Agra, at least 100 persons from 37 families were reportedly re-converted to Hinduism at a ceremony organised by an offshoot of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The incident led to uproar in Parliament with a united opposition stalling Rajya Sabha and pressing for a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.