Amit Shah asks Punjab govt. to act against ‘religious conversions’

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (March 1, 2026) said religious conversions were taking place in Punjab, and appealed to the people and the State government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, to stop this practice which was driven by “greed”.

Mr. Shah invoked the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur while addressing the ‘Hind-Di-Chadar’ commemoration event to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

“Today, it has been said here that religious conversion is taking place in Punjab. Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed himself to save others’ religions. They faced atrocities, but we today prefer to convert because of some greed. Then, we cannot be called followers of our great leaders. The Punjab government and Punjab society should stop religious conversions,” Mr. Shah said.

Had Guru Tegh Bahadur not sacrificed himself to save the Hindu religion, “there would not have been a single Hindu left in the world”, Mr. Shah said.

Some people had earlier objected to this statement, he said, adding that “everybody should accept this truth”.

Paying homage, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said the Guru faced grave injustice and atrocities and fought against enemies far more powerful than him. “His sacrifice inspired and gave courage to Hindus to continue their fight,” he added.

Guru Nanak had emphasised chanting God’s name, prayer, and sharing meals, underlining togetherness, which later provided moral strength in resisting Mughal invaders, Mr. Shah said.

He also referred to Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, claiming that when atrocities were inflicted in Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmiri Pandits sought protection from the Guru, and continue to hold him in high regard.

“Guru Tegh Bahadur had said that if Aurangzeb can convert me, then all the people will get converted. Aurangzeb accepted it as a challenge,” Mr. Shah said.

“He inflicted atrocities and killed Guru Tegh Bahadur’s companions, but the Guru never budged. Finally, Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed himself, but he did not give up. His sacrifice inspired people to fight against Aurangzeb,” the Minister said.

The followers of ‘Sanatan Dharma’ across the world were grateful to the Sikh guru, he said. “Traditions established by 10 Sikh Gurus are worth emulation by the world,” Mr. Shah said.