Tuesday, January 25 2005 15:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Defending the Government action in permitting the controversial American evangelist and "miracle healer" Benny Hinn's programme in Bangalore and his participation in it, Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh today (Jan 25, 2005) sought to rubbish BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) claims that pastor's programme has had impact on Hindus and encouraged conversions.

"The programme did not have any impact on Hindus nor did it lead to conversion of people into Christianity. The BJP is obsessed with making an issue out of every religious issue", Singh charged attacking BJP while replying in the State Assembly to the charges levelled by Opposition party against Hinn's three-day programme which concluded on Sunday (Jan 23, 2005) and the Government patronage.

Cautioning BJP against attempting to politicise issues concerning religion, Singh taunted the party saying, it has already been taught a lesson by people of the State and also the country in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Chiding BJP for demanding his resignation for attending the "Festival of Blessings-Pray for India" programme, Singh asserted, "I am not here to resign. I am here to rule the State. Congress and JDS (Janata Dal-Secular) has come together to keep you (BJP) out of power".

He condemned the bandh call given by BJP, which caused damage to property and alleged "people did not support your protest. It is only your (BJP) men indulged in stone throwing in some places".

Singh said he was unable to understand the BJP arguments on how Hinn's programme would promote conversion and exhorted the saffron party to desist from whipping up people's sentiments.