Maharashtra Assembly clears anti-conversion bill amid split in opposition

The Maharashtra Assembly has taken a bold step by approving the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, which addresses the critical issue of religious conversions. This legislation penalizes conversions that involve intimidation or deception. The ruling Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena has rallied behind the bill, but it faces pushback from both the Congress and Samajwadi Party.