New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi, marking another occasion of the leader’s engagement with the Christian community. The PM Modi Christmas service attendance came as opposition parties raised serious concerns about alleged attacks on minorities, particularly Christians, across the country.
During the PM Modi Christmas service visit, the Prime Minister emphasized themes of unity and compassion in his Christmas greetings to the nation. “The service reflected the timeless message of love, peace and compassion. May the spirit of Christmas inspire harmony and goodwill in our society,” Modi stated following his participation in the religious ceremony.
BJP Leadership’s Christmas Participation
Bharatiya Janata Party President JP Nadda also participated in Christmas celebrations today at Christian Higher Secondary School in New Delhi, organized by the Mao Naga Christian Fellowship Delhi. In a post on social media platform X, Nadda expressed his joy at being part of the gathering and reflected on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The PM Modi Christmas service attendance is part of a pattern of engagement with the Christian community. Officials highlighted that over recent years, Modi has regularly participated in Christian religious events. During Easter 2023, he attended a programme at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi. In Christmas 2023, he hosted a celebration at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. In 2024, he attended a dinner at minister George Kurian’s residence and a programme hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.
Opposition Raises Alarm Over Minority Attacks
Despite the PM Modi Christmas service participation, opposition parties criticized the BJP-led government over alleged atrocities against Christian communities. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien referenced a recent incident in Jabalpur where a BJP leader allegedly assaulted a visually impaired woman over suspicions of religious conversion ahead of Christmas.
“PM Modi and HM Shah, your silence on incidents like these in the Christmas season is deafening. Shame on you and your ilk,” O’Brien stated. The Rajya Sabha member questioned the Prime Minister’s Christmas message, asking sarcastically: “Love? Peace? Compassion? Harmony? Goodwill? Christmas?”
Tamil Nadu CM Criticizes Rising Hate Speech
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also criticized attacks on minorities while the PM Modi Christmas service was taking place. “When a few right-wing violent groups, acting in the name of the majority, indulge in attacks and riots, even as the PM participates in Christmas celebrations, it sends a disturbing message to the nation,” Stalin wrote on X.
The DMK chief cited alarming statistics, stating: “A reported 74% rise in hate speech against minorities since the Union BJP government assumed office signals grave danger ahead.” This data point has become central to opposition criticism of the government’s handling of minority rights and religious freedom.
Communist Leader Highlights Continued Attacks
CPI(M) MP John Brittas emphasized that there has been “no let-up in the attacks on Christians across the country” despite the PM Modi Christmas service attendance. Brittas acknowledged that the Prime Minister took time to attend the church service in the capital but expressed disappointment over the lack of acknowledgment regarding attacks on Christians.
“If only he had spent just two minutes to acknowledge that these attacks on Christians, their churches, schools, and gatherings are attacks on the nation and its Constitution, and that the perpetrators will be held accountable — that single, firm statement would have made a real difference,” Brittas stated on social media.
The MP claimed that attacks against Christians have spiked significantly over the last decade. “This year till November 700 incidents have been reported, by the end it would touch 1000 or more,” he added, presenting concerning figures about religious violence.
Catholic Church Leadership Appeals for Protection
Andrews Thazhath, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, the country’s top Catholic body, condemned the attacks on Christians while the PM Modi Christmas service was being observed. He appealed directly to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and chief ministers of various states to “ensure strict enforcement of law and extend proactive protection to Christian communities.”
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“Such incidents deeply wound the spirit of our Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, which promises every Indian to worship their faith, freedom of religion and the right to worship without fear,” Thazhath said in a video message. “With a heavy heart, but yet with hope, I unequivocally condemn these acts of hatred and violence.”
Contrasting Narratives
The PM Modi Christmas service attendance highlights the contrasting narratives surrounding religious harmony in India. While the government emphasizes its outreach to minority communities through such participatory events, opposition parties and religious leaders point to data and incidents suggesting a deteriorating situation for religious minorities.
The PM Modi Christmas service visit underscores ongoing debates about religious freedom, constitutional protections, and the state’s role in safeguarding minority communities in India’s diverse society.
