Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that incidents of vandalism and disruption during Christmas celebrations reflect a disturbing pattern of intolerance and atrocities against minorities in the country.
Speaking to ANI, Khera questioned whether India was heading towards a situation similar to Bangladesh, where minorities have faced violence in recent times. “Do we want India to become like Bangladesh? If atrocities are committed against minorities there, will we also commit atrocities against minorities here?” he asked.
‘Celebration should not mean provocation’
Referring to recent incidents reported from Assam, Chhattisgarh and Jaipur, Khera said celebrating one’s own faith should not involve disrupting the religious practices of others. “Celebrate your festivals, but what is the need to go and dance outside a mosque on Hanuman Jayanti playing provocative songs?” he asked reminded.
He further said that faith should be practised with dignity and mutual respect. “Recite the Hanuman Chalisa. I also recite it twice a day. But if it is Christmas, what do you want to prove by going outside a church and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa? This cannot be my religion. Neither is this my country nor my civilisation,” Khera said.
Allegations of ideological imposition
The Congress leader accused the BJP of promoting a narrow cultural agenda and undermining India’s pluralistic ethos. He alleged that the ruling party was attempting to impose the idea of “one nation, one religion, one nation, one language, one nation, one dress”, which he said goes against the country’s constitutional values.
Disruptions reported across states
Khera’s remarks come amid reports of disturbances and vandalism during Christmas celebrations in several parts of the country on Thursday. In some places, celebrations were allegedly interrupted, leading to tension and chaos, though authorities said law and order was brought under control.
The issue has renewed debate over religious tolerance, freedom of worship and the need to protect India’s diversity, especially during major festivals celebrated by different communities.