A senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Saurabh Bharadwaj, voiced serious concerns on Saturday regarding a series of disturbing incidents involving violence and intimidation against people celebrating Christmas in various parts of the country. The former MLA used social media to highlight the issue, suggesting that even Santa Claus would need to file a police complaint.
Nationwide Pattern of Disruption
Reports of vandalism and alleged targeted attacks during Christmas celebrations emerged from at least seven states, triggering sharp political reactions. The states where disruptions were reported include Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Odisha. Christian communities in these regions alleged acts of vandalism, intimidation, and harassment during their festive events.
While local authorities in many areas stated that the situation was under control, opposition leaders described the widespread pattern as deeply troubling. The incidents have opened a new front in the political discourse, with opposition parties sharply criticising the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its associates.
State-by-State Account of Incidents
The nature of the incidents varied across states but pointed to a concerted effort to disrupt Christmas festivities. In Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a BJP official was accused of assaulting a visually impaired Christian woman during a children's feast. Mobs were also reported to have interrupted church services in the state.
In Palakkad, Kerala, a worker associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) allegedly attacked children who were singing carols and damaged their musical instruments. Furthermore, right-wing pressure led to the cancellation of Christmas festivities in several schools.
Chhattisgarh witnessed cases of vandalism and arson targeting Christian properties in Raipur and Kanker districts. In Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly, groups staged protests outside a cathedral. In the national capital, Delhi, and in Odisha, street vendors selling Christmas-themed items reported harassment by vigilante groups who claimed the products were "non-Hindu."
Political Condemnation and Reactions
The string of incidents drew swift condemnation from multiple opposition leaders. AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj, in a post on X, wrote, "They are actually hurt by violence & intimidation against those celebrating Christmas in India. Police was waiting for a complaint to take any action. So complaint has been filed. Now let’s wait for action !!" He added a pointed remark that "Santa Claus reached police station to register FIR against Right Wing goons."
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh accused right-wing groups of targeting religious minorities. He told reporters, "BJP's associates, such as Bajrang Dal and others, are targeting other religions, which is not what our culture teaches. What the Constitution says, the BJP does exactly the opposite."
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that Christmas 2025 had been overshadowed by "fear and anxiety" in many regions. Referring specifically to the incidents in Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, he described the attacks on carol groups and religious symbols as an assault on India's pluralistic social fabric.
The ruling BJP, in response to the criticism, maintained that law and order were being enforced and that appropriate actions were being taken by the police based on complaints. The party has consistently denied any organised role in such incidents.
