NEW DELHI: AAP chief and former MP Saurabh Bharadwaj on Saturday expressed concern over incidents of “violence and intimidation” targeting people celebrating Christmas across the country. He even said that “Santa Claus reached the police station to register FIR against right-wing goons.”In a post onReports of vandalism and suspected targeted attacks during Christmas celebrations in several states sparked sharp political reactions. Opposition parties criticized the BJP while the ruling party claimed that law and order would be enforced.Disturbances were reported in Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Odisha, where Christian communities alleged vandalism, intimidation and harassment during Christmas gatherings. While authorities said they had the situation under control, opposition leaders described the pattern as deeply worrying.In Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a BJP official allegedly attacked a visually impaired Christian woman during a children’s festival and mobs disrupted services. In Palakkad, Kerala, an RSS worker reportedly attacked children singing Christmas carols and damaged their instruments, while right-wing pressure forced several schools to cancel festivities.In Chhattisgarh, vandalism and arson occurred against Christian properties in Raipur and Kanker. In Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, groups protested in front of a cathedral. In Delhi and Odisha, street vendors selling Christmas items reported harassment by vigilantes who claimed the products were “non-Hindu.”The incidents were condemned by several opposition leaders.Kunal Ghosh of the Trinamool Congress accused right-wing groups of targeting minorities. He told reporters: “BJP allies like Bajrang Dal and others are targeting other religions, which is not what our culture teaches.” What the Constitution says, the BJP is doing exactly the opposite. What they did is wrong and we condemn it.”Congressman Shashi Tharoor said Christmas 2025 was marred by “fear and unrest” in many regions. Referring to incidents in Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, he described the attacks on caroling groups and religious symbols as an attack on the pluralistic fabric of India.
