New Delhi: In the wake of fresh violence against Christian clergy in Odisha, Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of turning a blind eye to the rising persecution of minorities. Speaking to the media in Delhi, Venugopal drew attention to a disturbing pattern of attacks by Sangh Parivar-affiliated groups, pointing out that even before the horror of the Chhattisgarh nun-hunting incident has faded, Bajrang Dal activists have now brutally assaulted two Malayali priests and nuns in Odisha.
The incident took place in Gangadhar village under Jaleswar Parish, where the clergy had gathered to offer a requiem mass. As they were returning, nearly 70 Bajrang Dal members reportedly stopped and attacked them with the familiar accusation of religious conversion. Vehicles were vandalized, mobile phones snatched, and hate slogans were shouted. “Christians are not allowed here,” the mob declared, invoking BJP rule in the state as a shield for their actions.
Venugopal also reminded the media that just two months ago, a 90-year-old priest was attacked in Odisha, and even now, no significant police action has followed. “Neither in Chhattisgarh nor Odisha are the local police willing to file cases against perpetrators. This lawlessness is not incidental it is enabled,” he stated.
He condemned the failure of state machinery and police forces to act independently and accused the BJP government of fostering an atmosphere where vigilante mobs feel emboldened to target Christian missionaries with impunity. “The inaction from the top especially from the Prime Minister only strengthens these attackers,” he added.
The Congress leader demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must break his silence and clearly articulate his stance on these repeated, targeted assaults. “Is this the new normal under BJP rule that nuns are hunted and priests beaten while the government watches silently?” he asked.
With tensions running high and faith communities across the country feeling increasingly vulnerable, Venugopal called for urgent intervention from the central government to uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and protect the lives and dignity of India’s minority citizens.