Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, has strongly condemned a series of reported attacks targeting the Christian community during Christmas celebrations. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Tharoor asserted that such acts of violence constitute an assault on the foundational values of the entire nation.
Tharoor's Strong Stance on Pluralism
While extending Christmas greetings in his constituency, Tharoor emphasized that respect for the cultural and religious traditions of all communities has always been the cornerstone of Kerala's political and social fabric. "When people of a community are assaulted, every Indian is assaulted," Tharoor told PTI, underlining the critical need for unity and mutual respect in India's diverse society.
The Congress leader stressed that safeguarding pluralism and ensuring harmony among different faiths are essential to preserving Kerala's long-standing tradition of inclusive politics. He reiterated that respect for all religious traditions remains central to the state's political ethos.
A Series of Disturbing Incidents Across States
Tharoor's remarks came in response to multiple incidents reported from various parts of the country. In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, members of the Bajrang Dal staged a protest outside the St Alphonsus Cathedral Church on Wednesday. The protestors alleged that a Christmas event had portrayed the Hindu religion in an objectionable manner.
This protest followed a similar demonstration by workers of the same organization outside the same church in the Cantonment area a day earlier. On that occasion, they sat at the church gate, raised religious slogans, and recited the Hanuman Chalisa.
In a separate incident in Madhya Pradesh, a BJP leader sparked controversy after a video surfaced online. The footage allegedly showed her arguing aggressively with a visually impaired woman inside a church. In the video, the leader is heard questioning the woman for bringing a young girl to the church "among Christians."
Arrests Made in Assam Over Vandalism
Meanwhile, in Assam's Nalbari district, police took swift action by arresting four individuals associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on Thursday. The arrests were made in connection with vandalism that occurred on Wednesday.
The accused allegedly entered St Mary’s School at Panigaon village, within the limits of the Belsor police station. They are accused of burning and damaging decorative items meant for Christmas celebrations. The same group also reportedly damaged festive articles in local shops, according to police statements.
These coordinated events have raised serious concerns about communal harmony during the festive season. Tharoor's condemnation highlights a growing call from political leaders to uphold India's secular principles and protect the rights of all communities to practice their faith freely and without fear.
