Modi Joins Christmas Prayers in Delhi as Opposition Highlights Rising Concerns Over Minority Safety
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in the capital on Thursday, extending greetings that emphasized unity and compassion, while opposition leaders sharply criticized the government over reported incidents of violence against Christians.
In a message following the service, Modi described the event as embodying enduring values of love, peace, and kindness, adding that the Christmas spirit should foster harmony and goodwill across society.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda also joined festivities at a Christian school in New Delhi, organized by the Mao Naga Christian Fellowship Delhi. He highlighted the teachings of Jesus Christ in promoting warmth and joy during the season.
Government officials noted Modi’s consistent engagement with the Christian community in recent years, including attending an Easter service in 2023 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, hosting a Christmas event at his residence that year, and participating in gatherings in 2024, such as a dinner with minister George Kurian and a program by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).
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However, opposition figures accused the BJP-led central government of failing to address alleged assaults on minorities. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien referenced a case in Jabalpur where a BJP leader reportedly attacked a visually impaired woman suspected of conversion activities, calling the silence from Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah “deafening” and questioning the sincerity of official messages on love and compassion.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned attacks by right-wing groups, stating they conveyed a troubling signal when occurring alongside the prime minister’s participation in celebrations. He cited reports of a 74% increase in hate speech against minorities since the current government took office.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas pointed to ongoing assaults on Christians, churches, schools, and gatherings, claiming around 700 incidents reported up to November this year, potentially exceeding 1,000 by year-end. He suggested a brief acknowledgment from the prime minister condemning such acts would have strengthened national unity.
The CBCI president, Andrews Thazhath, urged Modi, Amit Shah, and state chief ministers to enforce laws rigorously and provide proactive protection for Christian communities, denouncing the violence as a violation of constitutional guarantees on religious freedom.