Christian body demands apology from Vijaysai Reddy over conversion remarks
South India Baptists Association leader R.S. John condemns Vijaysai Reddy's forced conversion allegations, demands apology and rebuts political motives.
A prominent Christian leader in Andhra Pradesh has strongly objected to recent remarks made by former Rajya Sabha member V. Vijaysai Reddy, who alleged that large-scale forced conversions to Christianity took place during the previous Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government.
R.S. John, founder president of the South India Baptists Association's Vizianagaram unit, told reporters that no Christian organisation has any reason to engage in such practices. He asserted that religious bodies in the state do not work to further the interests of any political party.
John demanded an unconditional apology from Vijaysai Reddy to the Christian community, describing the allegations as baseless. He suggested the former MP made the claims purely for political advantage, especially with the anticipated launch of a new political party in the state.
In a related appeal, John also urged Praja Shanti Party chief K.A. Paul to withdraw his derogatory comments against Botsa Satyanarayana, the Opposition Leader in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council. John described Satyanarayana as a respected political figure whose dignity should not be undermined by personal attacks.