Mumbai: Thousands of Christians from across Maharashtra converged at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on Friday in a powerful show of unity and protest against BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar’s inflammatory remarks calling for violence against Christian clergy. The sit-in, spearheaded by the Samast Christi Samaj, drew over 15,000 participants priests, pastors, youth, civil society members, and concerned citizens demanding justice and accountability.
The outrage stems from a public speech delivered by Padalkar on June 17 during a torch march in Sangli’s Kupwad area. In the speech, the MLA allegedly promised bounties ranging from ₹3 lakh for attacking a Christian priest to ₹11 lakh for killing a priest and his family an incitement that has been condemned as hate speech and a threat to communal harmony.
Similar demonstrations have taken place across the state, including in Pune and Sindhudurg. In Pune, the Christian Forum held a protest on July 8 outside the District Collector's office, demanding legal action and Padalkar’s disqualification. Protestors also submitted a memorandum citing sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (Sections 192, 198, 111, and 302) to be applied against the MLA. In Sindhudurg, Christian leaders presented a formal complaint to District Collector Anil Patil and SP Mohan Dahikar, accusing Padalkar of spreading dangerous misinformation and jeopardizing the lives of minorities.
Protest leaders at Azad Maidan called for Padalkar’s immediate suspension, the filing of an FIR, and a public apology. “This is not merely a political provocation it’s a call to violence,” said Melwyn Fernandes, Secretary of the Association of Concerned Christians. Pastor Samuel Salve from Ahmednagar confirmed that he has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking Padalkar’s arrest and criminal prosecution.
Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad, Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar, and Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi joined the demonstrators in a rare display of bipartisan solidarity. “You rise to power on the people's mandate and misuse it to divide society and spread hatred,” Gaikwad said in her address.
Amid the uproar, the Archdiocese of Bombay released a statement voicing deep concern over state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s proposal for a stringent anti-conversion law. “While we respect the government's role in maintaining order, any such law must align with Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion,” the statement read. It warned that such legislation risks targeting minorities and fuelling social division.
Cyril Dara, convenor of the Samast Christi Samaj, reiterated the protestors' demand for government protection and action. “We came here in peace, but our voices must be heard. We are Indians, we are Christians, and we will not be silenced.”
Friday’s massive gathering marked not just resistance to hate but a unified call for justice, religious freedom, and the upholding of constitutional values. Organisers vowed to continue their campaign until firm legal action is taken and the safety and dignity of all faith communities in Maharashtra are guaranteed.