New Delhi, Dec 29 (UNI) Congress general secretary K C Venugopal on Monday alleged that Christians faced an “atmosphere of terror and violence” during Christmas across several BJP-ruled states, and said he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate intervention to prevent a recurrence and to protect minority rights.
In a statement shared on social media, he accused the ruling party of presiding over a “well-planned assault” on the Christian community, claiming there was a “clear strategy of humiliating minorities” during the festive period.
“This Christmas, there was an atmosphere of terror and violence across most BJP-ruled states… I wrote to the PM to take urgent action on this well-planned assault on Christians to ensure this doesn’t ever repeat in the future and India remains a safe and hospitable society for all communities,” he said.
Venugopal, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, urged the prime minister to direct state governments and law enforcement agencies to act decisively against those responsible for attacks, intimidation, or disruptions of Christmas prayers and celebrations.
He underscored that freedom of religion is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution and warned that any attempt to undermine it “strikes at the core of India’s pluralistic ethos.”
The Congress leader’s remarks come amid reports from various parts of the country of alleged disruptions of Christmas gatherings and heightened tensions involving minority communities.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused BJP-ruled states of failing to rein in fringe groups and of selectively enforcing laws, particularly those related to religious conversion.
Reiterating the Congress party’s stance, Venugopal said safeguarding minorities was essential to preserving social harmony. “India’s strength lies in its diversity. Ensuring the safety and dignity of every community is not optional—it is a constitutional obligation,” he said.
There was no immediate response from the Prime Minister’s Office or the BJP to Venugopal’s letter or allegations. The ruling party has in the past rejected charges of targeting minorities, asserting that law and order is a state subject and that its governments act against any form of violence regardless of religion.
The issue is likely to add to the ongoing political sparring between the Congress and the BJP over minority rights, religious freedom, and the broader question of social cohesion ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
