Tag: narendramodi

Christians in India endured severe persecution in 2024, with 640 documented cases of violence and discrimination, marking a continued rise from previous years, according to the Evangelical Fellowship of India’s Religious Liberty Commission (EFIRLC).

The figure represents an increase from 601 cases in 2023 and a nearly fourfold surge from 147 cases in 2014. This decade-long trend underscores mounting hostility toward Christians, who comprise 2.3% of India’s population.

“The systematic and organized persecution of Christians has risen to crisis levels in several states,” said Rev. Vijayesh Lal, EFI general secretary. “On average, four to five churches or pastors are attacked every day, with attacks nearly doubling on Sundays when believers gather for worship.”

The EFIRLC report, Faith at Risk: Examining Violence and Discrimination Against Christians in India (2024), identified Uttar Pradesh as the most affected state with 188 incidents, followed by Chhattisgarh (150), Rajasthan (40), Punjab (38), and Haryana (34).

“We are not asking for special treatment but for the religious freedom guarantees under the constitution to be enforced fairly,” said Lal. “All Indians must be able to practice their faith without violence and intimidation. We urge all state governments to uphold the rule of law and bring perpetrators to justice, regardless of their religious or political affiliation.”

Patterns of Persecution

In 2024, four Christians were murdered, while the EFIRLC recorded 255 incidents of threats and harassment, 129 arrests, 76 cases of physical violence, 60 gender-based attacks, 46 worship disruptions, and 41 incidents of vandalism.

January saw the highest number of incidents (71), followed by September (68), March (64), and October (62). Despite general elections in April and May, which might have prompted restraint, persecution continued with 45 cases in each of those months.

Violent Attacks and Forced Displacement

On Feb. 12, in Sukma District, Chhattisgarh, villagers threatened AaytuPodiyami’s family, demanding they renounce Christianity. When they refused, a village council issued an ultimatum. Soon after, they were brutally beaten, leaving Aaytu’s father seriously injured. The family fled, forced into a life of manual labor elsewhere.

On May 4 in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, 22-year-old Kosa Kawasi was killed in front of his wife for refusing to renounce his faith. He had earlier reported death threats to the police, but no action was taken. A mob of about 20 villagers attacked him with wooden sticks, knives, and an axe. His wife, who was also assaulted, managed to escape.

The same day, five other Christian families fled their homes fearing for their lives.

Regional Hotspots of Persecution

Uttar Pradesh: Arbitrary Arrests and Worship Disruptions

Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of anti-Christian incidents, with pastors and believers frequently arrested over allegations of forced conversions. Many detentions occurred after prayer meetings and family gatherings, despite a lack of credible evidence.

On March 24 in Jamui village, Maharajganj District, extremists disrupted a Palm Sunday gathering where Pastor Shailesh Kumar was present. The mob issued threats before attacking worshippers. Pastor Kumar suffered severe head injuries and required hospitalization.

On Oct. 3 in Gaddopur village, Gonda District, four attackers stormed a prayer gathering and violently assaulted Man Singh and six other Christians. They were dragged 200 meters away and beaten. Their belongings, including a Bible and phones, were confiscated. When police arrived, they sided with the attackers, detaining the victims until midnight and warning them against holding future prayer meetings.

Chhattisgarh: Social Boycotts and Land Disputes

In Chhattisgarh, extremist groups frequently targeted tribal Christians through violence, social boycotts, and denial of resources, including burial rights, to pressure them into renouncing their faith.

In June, 32-year-old Bindu Sodi was murdered in Dantewada District over a land dispute exacerbated by religious discrimination. After she and her family converted to Christianity, relatives denied them access to ancestral property. She was killed with an axe and stones. Authorities pressured the family to bury her 19 miles away to avoid “sectarian unrest” and failed to recognize religious bias as a motive.

Punjab: Christmas Attacks

Punjab saw 38 attacks on Christians in 2024, including 11 during Christmas.

On Dec. 25 in Firozpur District, a group attacked Pastor Vijay and his congregation while they were preparing for a Christmas event.

On April 18 in Sultanwind village, Amritsar District, Pastor Gurjeet and his brother Gurdeep were assaulted by a neighbor, Avtar Singh Nihang. Nihang used a Kirpan, a ceremonial Sikh dagger, to attack Gurdeep, inflicting severe injuries. Pastor Gurjeet suffered wounds on his fingers and toes. When they sought medical care, a doctor reportedly refused to treat them.

Anti-Conversion Laws: A Tool of Harassment

The EFIRLC report highlights the misuse of anti-conversion laws as a major driver of Christian persecution.

“These laws, legally termed Freedom of Religion laws, are being weaponized to curtail the religious freedom of minority Christians,” said a Christian leader from Uttar Pradesh, speaking anonymously.

In 2024, the Uttar Pradesh government amended the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, increasing penalties and making violations non-bailable. Some offenses now carry sentences of up to life imprisonment.

A critical change allows “any person” – not just victims or their relatives – to file complaints. Hindu nationalist groups have exploited this provision to file numerous cases against Christians, fostering a climate of fear.

“There are over 60 Christians currently in jail under this law,” said the leader.

Cases of False Accusations and Police Complicity

On Dec. 27 in Fatehpur District, a mob assaulted Pastor Shivbaran Paswan, forcibly shaved his head, and paraded him through his village. Instead of protecting him, police charged him under the anti-conversion law.

On Oct. 20 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Hindu extremists disrupted Pastor Biju Mathew’s worship service and beat him. Police initially released him, but on Oct. 26, authorities arrested him under the anti-conversion law.

As of February 2025, Pastor Mathew remains in jail while his wife Rini cares for their two daughters. Within two weeks of his arrest, Hindu nationalist groups claimed they had “re-converted” 30 families from his church to Hinduism.

“These laws often shift the burden of proof onto the accused,” the EFIRLC report states, “making legal defense nearly impossible, even when allegations are baseless.”

Currently, 11 states have anti-conversion laws, with Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh moving toward stricter enforcement.

Growing Crisis and Calls for Action

By the end of 2024, 400 Christian leaders wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemning the violence against Christians and calling for immediate intervention.

“It saddens us that nearly all political leaders, including those in the Union and state governments, have remained silent,” they wrote in a Dec. 31 letter. “Rising hate speech, especially from elected officials, has emboldened acts of violence against Christians.”

The EFIRLC emphasized that its 640 verified cases likely represent only a fraction of actual incidents, as many victims fear reporting due to police inaction and intimidation.

“The climate of fear prevents many Christians from seeking justice,” Lal said. “Even when cases are filed, legal delays, wrongful imprisonments, and acquittals of perpetrators are common.”

India’s Worsening Religious Freedom Record

India ranked 11th on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List of the most difficult countries for Christians, a stark rise from 31st place in 2013.

Religious freedom advocates blame the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for fostering an atmosphere of hostility toward non-Hindus. Since Prime Minister Modi took office in May 2014, Hindu nationalist groups have increasingly targeted Christians with impunity.

The EFI has urged authorities to:

• Protect at-risk Christian communities
• Hold extremist groups accountable
• Prevent the misuse of anti-conversion laws
• Ensure fair legal proceedings for religious minorities

“Religious freedom is a cornerstone of India’s constitution,” Lal said. “We must uphold these values to protect every Indian, regardless of faith.”

US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance are set to visit India later this month, marking the Vice President’s second overseas trip since assuming office on January 20, 2025.

This trip will be particularly significant for Usha Vance, as it will be her first visit to India as the Second Lady. India holds special meaning for her since her parents emigrated from the country to the United States, and she was raised in San Diego, California. In addition, JD Vance will be making history as the first US Vice President to visit India within the first 100 days of taking office.

According to a Politico report, three individuals familiar with the planning have confirmed that the Vice President’s visit to India is scheduled.

The upcoming trip takes place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the United States and India concerning trade tariffs. Vance’s first international visit occurred in February when he traveled to France and Germany. During the Munich Security Conference, his statements drew criticism from several US allies in Europe.

During his stay in France, Vance met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the AI Summit in Paris. Their interaction was described as cordial, with Modi presenting an eco-friendly wooden alphabet set to Vance’s daughter, Mirabel Rose Vance, as a gift. Additionally, the Prime Minister participated in the celebration of the birthday of the Vice President’s son, Vivek.

Following their meeting, Prime Minister Modi shared on X, “Had a wonderful meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and his family. We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!”

Expressing his appreciation for the gesture, Vance replied, “Prime Minister Modi was gracious and kind, and our kids really enjoyed the gifts. I’m grateful to him for the wonderful conversation.”

India’s state-owned refiners are set to complete the world’s longest liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline by June, a major milestone expected to significantly reduce fuel transportation costs and mitigate the risk of fatal road accidents.

“This will be a game changer in the LPG supply chain,” stated N. Senthil Kumar, director of pipelines at Indian Oil Corp., in an interview. “It’s like putting LPG on a conveyor belt.”

The $1.3 billion infrastructure project is anticipated to replace hundreds of trucks currently transporting LPG from refineries to bottling facilities across the country, a method that increases the risk of accidents. A recent example was seen last month when a tanker overturned in Coimbatore, causing disruptions in the southern city. Similarly, in December, an accident involving an Indian Oil truck in Jaipur resulted in 20 fatalities, 45 injuries, and damage to three dozen vehicles.

Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum Corp., and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. have collaborated to establish IHB, a joint venture responsible for constructing the extensive 2,800-kilometer pipeline. This network will stretch from Kandla on India’s west coast to Gorakhpur in the north. According to Kumar, who also serves as the chairman of the joint venture, the first phase is slated for commissioning in March, with full-scale operations expected by mid-year.

The pipeline will have the capacity to transport approximately 8.3 million tons of LPG annually, accounting for around 25% of India’s total demand. This development is set to notably cut transportation expenses in the world’s third-largest consumer of the fuel, as nearly 70% of bottling plants still rely on truck deliveries. In response to growing volumes and safety concerns, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has been advocating for the expansion of the nation’s pipeline infrastructure.

Domestic consumption of LPG, primarily used for cooking, has surged by 80% over the past decade, reaching 29.6 million tons in the fiscal year that ended in March 2024. This increase has surpassed the 47% growth seen in overall demand for refined oil products. The rise in LPG usage has been largely driven by government subsidies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which aims to encourage low-income households to transition away from polluting biomass fuels for cooking.

Despite its significance, the project has faced multiple setbacks since its announcement in 2019. Delays were caused by pandemic-induced lockdowns as well as supply chain disruptions stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine. India’s current LPG pipeline network spans nearly 5,000 kilometers, and this latest expansion marks a crucial step in strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure.

Human rights and religious freedom in India saw a significant decline throughout 2024, marked by the implementation of discriminatory policies, an increase in hate crimes, cow-related lynchings, inflammatory speeches during India’s general elections, instances of police brutality, and transnational repression, according to an annual report by the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) released today.

The report details systemic violence and discrimination against Indian minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and Kashmiris, by documenting some of the most egregious acts committed against these groups over the year. However, the repression extended beyond India’s borders, as the government’s transnational efforts to silence dissent also impacted members of the Indian diaspora in the United States and Canada.

Before and after securing a third consecutive term, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and their Hindu nationalist supporters played a role in fostering discrimination and violence against minorities and vulnerable communities. Notably, there were multiple instances in which law enforcement, acting either on the orders of the government or Hindu nationalist groups, engaged in violence against minority populations. Two significant instances of police brutality against Muslim demonstrators occurred in 2024—first in January in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, where six people were killed, and later in November in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where five were shot dead. In both cases, police fired upon Muslim protestors exercising their right to dissent.

Several new discriminatory policies were introduced at both state and national levels. Among these was the Uniform Civil Code implemented in Uttarakhand, which compels religious minorities to abide by common laws on personal matters such as marriage and divorce, undermining their religious autonomy. Another measure, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, seeks to alter regulations governing Muslim community-owned waqf properties, reducing control over historic mosques, dargahs, and graveyards. Additionally, various directives from law enforcement and local governments required all food vendors to display their names prominently, making Muslim-owned businesses more vulnerable to attacks and boycotts. These measures were enacted amid growing concerns over judicial independence, leaving minorities with diminishing legal protections against explicitly discriminatory policies.

During the 2024 electoral cycle, the BJP frequently engaged in illegal tactics to polarize the electorate and weaken the opposition. BJP candidates and their allies relied on hate speech throughout their campaigns and facilitated the arrests of opposition leaders, in clear violation of Indian election laws, without facing consequences. Reports from the general election and subsequent bypolls indicated widespread voter suppression, particularly targeting Muslims and other minority groups. Voters described incidents of violence at polling stations, intimidation by law enforcement, and manipulation of voter rolls designed to disenfranchise minority communities.

Hindu militant groups continued to perpetrate violence against Muslims throughout the year, with attacks on individuals, neighborhoods, and places of worship intensifying around Hindu festivals. The consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in January, built on the site where the Babri Mosque was demolished, triggered nationwide violence against Muslims. Following this event, Hindu nationalist groups launched a wave of legal challenges seeking to convert Muslim religious sites into Hindu temples. Additionally, Muslim places of worship were frequently targeted by vandals during Hindu religious processions.

Muslim-owned businesses, homes, and religious sites were also subject to unlawful demolition drives under the pretext of removing “encroachments,” often serving as retaliatory actions.

Press freedom continued to suffer as the government maintained control over mainstream media, fostering an environment of censorship and misinformation. During the lead-up to India’s general elections, mainstream media played a role in promoting anti-Muslim rhetoric. Rather than holding Modi accountable for his controversial speeches, news outlets instead focused on praising him, discrediting political rivals, and stoking divisions between Hindus and minorities. The government also actively suppressed content critical of Hindu nationalism and the administration, blocking social media accounts, removing posts, and restricting access to documentaries and articles. Additionally, prominent right-wing figures orchestrated disinformation campaigns against journalists who criticized the Modi administration.

Hindu extremist groups instigated riots in Muslim-majority areas, particularly during Hindu religious celebrations. Mob lynchings continued, often under the guise of protecting cows, with victims predominantly belonging to Muslim and Dalit communities. The lack of consequences for cow vigilante groups underscored the ongoing collaboration between Hindu extremist organizations and law enforcement.

The Indian government also extended its repression beyond its borders, targeting members of the Indian diaspora, including in the United States. In August 2024, a gunman attacked three Sikh separatist activists in Sacramento, an incident that human rights organizations suspect was another assassination attempt backed by the Indian government. Additionally, the Modi administration continued its efforts to censor social media accounts and websites operated by individuals in the diaspora critical of the government.

“Our report illustrates the scale and severity of anti-minority violence that is being perpetuated daily by Hindu supremacists in India,” stated IAMC Executive Director Rasheed Ahmed. “The takeaway is clear: even with Modi’s marginal loss of power following the 2024 elections, Hindu militant groups remain emboldened, law enforcement remains largely beholden to extremists, and the judiciary remains compromised.”

IAMC President Mohammed Jawad also condemned the ongoing repression, stating, “It’s clear that the Modi regime feels a sense of impunity—not only in the way it so ruthlessly enacts violence against its own citizens, but also seeks to silence and repress our communities in the diaspora.” He further urged the U.S. government to take action, asserting, “It is the United States government’s responsibility to protect its citizens by using the appropriate diplomatic tools—including sanctions—to send a strong message to the Modi regime.”

The 2024 United Christian Forum (UCF) report has sounded an alarm, warning of a dire situation for the Christian community in India. If immediate measures are not taken through political will and government intervention, the report warns, the community could face an existential crisis in their homeland well before 2050.

The statistics reflect a troubling trend, with reported attacks against Christians surging from 127 in 2014 to 834 by December 2024. According to UCF officials, the states of Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have emerged as epicenters of hostility, marked by rampant mob violence, hate campaigns, and social ostracization. Disturbingly, the report suggests that elements within the law enforcement and judicial systems are complicit in this growing wave of violence.

“These numbers only scratch the surface,” said UCF representatives, referring to the 209 cases reported in Uttar Pradesh and 165 in Chhattisgarh in 2024. Many incidents go unreported, as victims fear retaliation in an environment of impunity and political favoritism. Across the country, the true number of such crimes could be three to ten times higher than what is officially recorded.

The UCF report highlights a pervasive atmosphere of fear among Christians. This fear stems from cultural policing that dictates who qualifies as a true Indian or loyal citizen, often targeting those deemed outsiders. Christians are increasingly isolated and victimized under this framework. Innocent pastors, their families, and even children have been imprisoned, with over a hundred individuals still languishing in jail. Bail is frequently denied, and the slow judicial process itself has become a form of punishment.

“This is a crisis unfolding before our eyes,” warns the UCF. The report raises concerns about India’s global reputation as a democracy that upholds the rule of law and guarantees individual rights. “The Christian community, which has long been a peaceful and integral part of India’s diverse society, is now living in fear,” said Dr. Michael Williams, President of UCF. He emphasized that the rising attacks are not just statistics but represent real human suffering, with families and communities being torn apart.

The situation worsened during the Christmas season of 2024, which witnessed a spike in violence. Fourteen separate attacks targeted Christian gatherings during this period, adding to the community’s distress. In response to this escalation, over 400 senior Christian leaders and 30 Church groups submitted an appeal to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 31, 2024. Their letter urged the nation’s leadership to act decisively to halt the persecution of Christians.

The UCF’s annual report documented 834 incidents of violence in 2024. However, only 392 of these complaints were registered as First Information Reports (FIRs). This discrepancy is attributed to the discretion granted to police officers, who determine whether a complaint merits an FIR for further investigation and trial.

The data paints a grim picture of the toll these incidents have taken on vulnerable groups within the Christian community. Women, Dalits, and Tribals have been disproportionately affected, with 154 women, 342 Dalits, and 354 Tribals recorded as victims of these attacks.

A closer analysis of the violence reveals the following breakdown:

• 149 physical assaults
• 209 cases of property damage
• 798 incidents involving intimidation, threats, and harassment
• 331 instances where religious assemblies were disrupted

The UCF calls for greater transparency in the enforcement of laws designed to protect religious freedom and minority rights. “Only through transparent and unbiased investigations, followed by fair trials, can accountability be ensured,” the organization stated. The demand underscores the need for integrity in law enforcement and the judicial process to counter the current climate of impunity.

As the situation stands, the Christian community faces a precarious future in India. While outreach efforts by the government, including interactions with Christian leaders in Kerala, New Delhi, and other regions, are noted, the UCF insists that these gestures must translate into concrete actions to protect a community that has contributed peacefully to India’s rich cultural fabric.

The report concludes by urging all stakeholders to recognize the brewing crisis and act decisively to prevent further deterioration. The stakes are high, not just for the Christian community but for the values of pluralism and democracy that India represents on the global stage.

New Delhi, 31 December 2024:

Shocked by the surge in violence against Christians in general and especially during Christmas prayers and celebrations, over 400 senior Christian leaders and 30 church groups have submitted an urgent appeal to President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The appeal calls for immediate and decisive action to curb the activities of violent mobs that have targeted Christian gatherings across the country, terrorizing communities and tarnishing the image of Bharat and the Union Government.

During this Christmas season alone, at least 14 incidents targeting Christians were reported, ranging from threats and disruptions to arrests and outright attacks, underscoring an alarming trend of rising intolerance and hostility.

Prominent signatories of the appeal include Bishop Thomas Abraham, Bishop David Onesimu, Bishop Joab Lohara, Rev Dr. Richard Howell, Sr. Mary Scaria, Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ, Dr. John Dayal, Fr. Prakash Louis SJ, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, Rev Dr EH Kharkongor, Mr. Allen Brooks, Rev. K Losii Mao, Rev. Dr. Akhilesh Edgar, Dr. Michael Willams, Mr. A C Michael and Rev. Vijayesh Lal, along with 400 other influential Christian leaders from the nation. Noted civil rights activist Shabnam Hashmi also signed the letter in solidarity.

The appeal points to troubling statistics from organizations like the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFIRLC) and the United Christian Forum (UCF). Between January and mid-December 2024, over 720 incidents of violence targeting Christians were reported to the EFIRLC, with 760 cases recorded by UCF by the end of November.

The appeal focuses on systemic concerns, including:

• ⁠⁠The misuse of anti-conversion laws leading to the arrest and harassment of over 110 clergy members.
• ⁠⁠Growing threats to religious freedoms through state actions, such as the implementation of the Healing (Prevention and Evil) Act, 2024, in Assam.
• ⁠⁠Escalating hate speech and harassment of Christian communities, including restrictions on peaceful prayer meetings and the distribution of religious literature.
• ⁠⁠Exclusionary policies denying Dalit Christians Scheduled Caste status, perpetuating historic injustices.

The Christian leaders also expressed deep concern about the ongoing crisis and violence in Manipur, where over 250 lives have been lost, over 360 churches destroyed, and thousands displaced since May 2023. The appeal urges the Prime Minister to play a visible and active role in fostering peace and reconciliation in the region, emphasizing that the healing of Manipur is crucial for the unity and integrity of India.

The signatories have called on the President and Prime Minister to:

1.⁠⁠Order swift and impartial investigations into incidents targeting religious minorities.

2.⁠⁠Issue clear guidelines to state governments on protecting constitutional rights to religious freedom.

3.⁠⁠Initiate regular dialogue with representatives of all faith communities.

4.⁠⁠Protect the fundamental right to freely profess and practice one’s faith.

The appeal reiterates that inclusivity and harmony are vital not only for the moral fabric of the nation but also for its economic and social prosperity. The statement concludes with an assurance of prayers for the country’s leaders and a commitment to building a united, peaceful, and prosperous India.

Enclosed

1. Text of Letter to President Murmu and Prime minister Narendra Modi
2. List of prominent signatories

List of major church groups endorsing the letter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a Christmas gathering organized by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) in New Delhi, emphasized the importance of harmony and non-violence in society. However, incidents of vandalism and intimidation surrounding Christmas celebrations in Kerala’s Palakkad and Alappuzha districts painted a contrasting picture.

In Palakkad, two incidents involving members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) disrupted Christmas festivities. In another incident in Alappuzha, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker allegedly intimidated individuals spreading Christmas messages. These acts have drawn condemnation from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who described them as isolated events that must not be condoned.

On December 23, unidentified individuals vandalized a Christmas crib at the Government Boys School in Thathamangalam, Palakkad. The Chittoor police registered a case following a complaint by the school authorities, but no arrests have been made. A VHP leader alleged that Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) members were responsible for the act.

Three days earlier, on December 20, three VHP members disrupted Christmas celebrations at the Government Upper Primary School in Nallepilly, Palakkad. Reports suggest that they barged into the school, questioned teachers about the absence of celebrations for Hindu festivals like Sree Krishna Jayanti, and objected to the use of Santa Claus costumes by teachers.

The Chittoor police arrested three individuals—Anilkumar, Susasanan, and K. Velayudan—on December 21 in connection with the disruption. BJP Palakkad district president KM Haridas distanced the party from the accused, stating, “None of them are connected to the BJP.”

Meanwhile, Raveendran, the secretary of the VHP’s Palakkad Vibhag, acknowledged their affiliation with the VHP but claimed the incident was misreported. “The CPI(M), Congress, and SDPI have twisted the narrative. Our workers only questioned why students were made to stand in the scorching sun for the celebrations and whether similar efforts would be made for Sree Krishna Jayanthi or Nabi Dinam. The circulating news is misleading and inaccurate,” Raveendran explained.

In Alappuzha, a separate incident occurred on December 23 involving an RSS worker, Ratheesh Kumar, who objected to a group delivering Christmas messages in Karthikapalli. While no formal complaint was filed, a video of the confrontation surfaced online.

These incidents stood in stark contrast to the Christmas message of harmony conveyed by the Prime Minister during the CBCI event. Reacting to these events, Yuhanon Meletius, Metropolitan Bishop of the Thrissur diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, expressed his dismay on Facebook. “While bishops are being honoured and the Christmas crib is revered in one place, here the crib is vandalized. There is a saying in Malayalam for such an approach,” he remarked.

BJP state president K Surendran strongly condemned the acts in Palakkad during a media interaction following his meeting with Thamarassery Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil in Kozhikode. “I strongly condemn this. Such actions should not be encouraged in any way. Strong action must be taken against those responsible,” he stated.

1. Muraleedharan, BJP leader and former Union minister, echoed similar sentiments, describing the events as isolated. “I am certain the BJP does not support such activities. Our position is clear and is reflected in the Prime Minister’s participation in the CBCI celebrations,” he asserted.

While the Prime Minister’s visit to the CBCI highlighted a gesture of goodwill towards the Christian community, the incidents in Kerala revealed ongoing tensions and raised questions about the sincerity of efforts to foster harmony.

BJP leaders and Hindu nationalist ideologues are stating that the Indian Constitution has been based on Western values, a colonial imprint on our society; it is a break from India’s civilization and culture. They also argue that the constitution and its application is the appeasement of Muslim minorities for vote bank purposes that has been done by the Congress Party.

As we know the constitution was the outcome of the values which emerged during the freedom movement. It also kept in mind the long tradition of our civilization. The understanding of our civilization is very different for those who participated in the freedom movement, those who stand for its ideology and those who kept aloof from the anti colonial movement and bowed to the British rulers. While the freedom movement saw India as a plural nation with rich diversities, those who stood aloof saw the civilization as Hindu civilization. For them pluralism is a diversion and imposition by the educated, modern leaders.

Even RSS combine forgets that what they call as Hindu civilization is undermining the contributions of Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism to our civilization. Even the interpretation of Lord Ram, their major icon, is so diverse for Kabir, who saw the Lord as Universal spirit, for Gandhi who saw Him as protector of all the people irrespective of their religion in his famous: Ishawar Allah Tero Naam (Allah and Iswar are same). Jawaharlal Nehru saw India, Bharat Mata, in ‘The Discovery of India’, as an “ancient palimpsest on which layer upon layer of thought and reverie had been inscribed, and yet no succeeding layer had completely hidden or erased what had been written previously.” With great pride he recalled the rule of Emperor Ashok, who in many edicts itched on stones talked of equal treatment for Vedic Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivikas.

This is the core difference between RSS combine and its ideologues that see India as exclusively Brahmanical Hindu, and those like Gandhi and Nehru as a country belonging to all the people. Indian Constituent Assembly mainly represented the stream which struggled against the British, the national stream, while RSS was a marginal stream sticking to ‘India as Brahmanical Hindu nation’. This started getting reflected immediately after the draft of the Indian Constitution. While Ambedkar and Nehru were cautious and stated the implementation of its basic structure should be ensured by those ruling the country. PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998, formed Venkatchaliah Commission to review the constitution. Dr. K.R. Narayanan, the then President of India aptly remarked “it is not that Constitution that has failed us; it is we who have failed the constitution! This is so true particularly after the rule of the Modi Government. It is during this period that though the Constitution has not been changed as such, though many from the RSS camp have expressed their wish to do so, without getting reprimanded from the top leadership. This was most blatantly stated to back up their slogan of 400 Par (More than 400 seats in Parliament), meaning that we want so many seats so that we can change the Constitution.

The blatant rise of Hate speech, lately most clearly stated by sitting Judge of Allahabad High Court, Shekhar Kumar Yadav, when participating in the VHP’s meeting stated “The country will run as per the wishes of its majority.

Justice Yadav made the remarks while delivering an address on the “Constitutional Necessity of Uniform Civil Code”. “Only what benefits the welfare and happiness of the majority will be accepted,” Yadav said.

Worse than his stating so, has been the statement of Yogi Aditynath, the UP CM, who supported Yadav’ utterances. Mercifully the Supreme Court has taken cognizance of Yadav’s communal hate speech. Who will take cognizance of Yogi’s supporting him?

Commenting on the current state of Affairs Justice Aspi Chinoy made a very apt comment, he said, “The BJP being the government at the Centre and having an absolute and overwhelming majority in Parliament, sees no need to alter the de jure status of India as a secular country and constitution. Being in control of the state and its diverse instrumentalities it has been able to achieve its goal of undermining India’s secular constitution and introduce a hindutva based ethnocracy, even without amending and altering the de jure secular status,”

This sectarianism of ruling BJP goes back to the time when the draft of Constitution was released. Couple of days’ later the RSS mouthpiece (unofficial) Organiser stated on 30th November 1949. “The worst [thing] about the new Constitution of Bharat is that there is nothing Bharatiya about it… [T]here is no trace of ancient Bharatiya constitutional laws, institutions, nomenclature and phraseology in it”. Meaning that Manusmriti has been ignored by makers of the Indian Constitution!

The father of Hindu Nationalist politics, V D Savarkar was quoted by Rahul Gandhi while participating in debate, “The worst thing about the Constitution of India is that there is nothing Indian about it. Manusmriti is that scripture which is most worshippable after Vedas for our Hindu nation and from which our ancient times have become the basis for our culture, customs, thought and practice.” Stating Manusmriti is the law today.

The crux of the matter comes to the surface when we compare the chief of the drafting committee of Indian Constitution Ambedkar and one of the RSS Sarsanghchalk, K. Sudarshan. Ambedkar burnt the Manusmiriti and drafted the Indian Constitution. RSS Chief went on the label Indian Constitution as being based on Western Values and need to bring Indian Constitution based on Indian Holy book!