Facing allegations that he is using his position to promote conversion to Christianity in Sikkim, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s Political Secretary Jacob Khaling Rai on Friday dared a BJP MLA to file a case against him if he has proof.

Rai, a Christian, claimed in a statement that this is an unfounded accusation as he has served all people of Sikkim and never differentiated anyone on the basis of religion since his appointment as the political secretary to the chief minister.

Delhi-based lawyer Alok Kumar, who is also a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, has written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah claiming that he received news clippings from Sikkim BJP MLA Narendra Kumar Subba and “It is apparent from the compilation of news that Rai is using his position to spread Christianity and conversion to Christianity”.

Rai said that he was shocked and pained to learn about the allegation.

The CM’s political secretary also uploaded a copy of Kumar’s letter dated 29 September to Shah.

In the letter, Kumar said, “I believe the assignment of the Political Secretary to the Chief Minister and the responsibility of a Pastor engaged in promoting Christianity are two different things and the two should not be allowed to be mixed.”

Rai, in his statement, alleged that NK Subba, BJP MLA of Dentam constituency, was trying to incite communal disharmony in the North-eastern state, ruled by the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, by making unsubstantiated allegations against him.

Rai asserted that he has attended every religious function of all faiths with utmost respect and sincerity. He said he was surprised and pained to see that an elected public representative from Sikkim held such animosity against a particular religion. Communal animosity is unheard in Sikkim, Rai said.

Subba refused to comment on Rai’s diatribes against him.

A minister in the Sikkim Democratic Front government headed by Pawan Kumar Chamling, Subba defected to the BJP along with nine other MLAs three years ago.