Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has strongly condemned the recent incidents of violence and attacks targeting the Christian community across India. He stated that such acts stand in stark contradiction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public message of communal harmony and unity.
Church Visit and Call for Constitutional Values
Gehlot made these remarks during a visit to the Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi on Saturday. His visit coincided with the observance of Constitution Day, a date he emphasized to remind the nation of its foundational principles. He stressed that the Indian Constitution guarantees equality, fraternity, and justice for all citizens, irrespective of their faith.
The senior Congress leader expressed deep concern over the reported assaults on Christian institutions and worshippers. He argued that these events create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among minority communities, which damages the country's social fabric.
Contradiction with PM's Stance on Unity
Gehlot directly addressed the perceived gap between the Prime Minister's words and the ground reality. "The Prime Minister speaks about harmony, but on the ground, attacks are happening on churches and Christians," he stated. This, he asserted, sends a conflicting message to the nation and the world.
He called upon the central government and state administrations to take stringent and immediate action to prevent such hate-driven incidents. Ensuring the safety and dignity of every citizen, he noted, is the government's fundamental duty.
Appeal for Peace and Political Responsibility
The former CM appealed to all political parties and community leaders to promote peace and brotherhood. He warned that ignoring or tacitly supporting such violence for political gains would have long-term detrimental consequences for India's secular democracy.
Gehlot's public statement and symbolic church visit highlight the ongoing political debate surrounding religious freedom and minority rights in India. It places the focus on the implementation of constitutional guarantees in the face of rising communal tensions reported from various states.
This intervention adds to the growing voices from opposition parties and civil society groups demanding stronger protection for religious minorities and stricter enforcement of laws against hate crimes.
