In recent years, India has witnessed a troubling surge in religious tensions, with Hindu nationalist groups increasingly directing their aggression toward Christian communities. This shift comes amid a broader wave of majoritarian politics that has already strained relations with Muslim minorities. As of 2026, experts warn that unchecked hate speech and violence could undermine India’s longstanding tradition of secularism and pluralism.
The incidents during the 2025 Christmas season highlight this escalating trend, where allegations of “forced conversions” have fueled disruptions and attacks on peaceful celebrations. This article explores the patterns, causes, and potential consequences of this growing intolerance, shedding light on what it means for India’s diverse society.
Key Incidents of Disruption During Christmas 2025
The festive period, typically a time of joy and unity, turned chaotic in several parts of India due to interventions by Hindu extremist groups. In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a mob affiliated with hardline organizations stormed a shopping mall on Christmas Eve, wielding wooden sticks to vandalize decorations and intimidate celebrants. Police intervened, but only six individuals were arrested and quickly released on bail, amid public celebrations that included garlands and chants—scenes that went viral on social media.
Similar disturbances were reported across states:
- In Madhya Pradesh, a local BJP leader mobilized a crowd to halt a Christmas lunch event for visually impaired children, leading to physical confrontations.
- Delhi saw women in Santa caps harassed by members of the Bajrang Dal, a militant Hindu youth group.
- In Kerala, RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) affiliates threatened schools against hosting Christmas programs, resulting in an assault on teenage carol singers and prompting a state government investigation.
- Additional reports from Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh involved hate speeches and threats aimed at curbing Christian observances.
These events underscore a pattern where Christmas gatherings are portrayed as covert conversion drives, justifying interference.
Alarming Statistics on Hate Speech and Violence
Data from 2025 paints a stark picture of rising animosity. India recorded 1,318 hate speech incidents that year—an average of over three per day—marking a 97% increase from 2023 and a 13% rise from 2024. Of these:
- 1,289 targeted Muslims, reflecting a 93% jump since 2023.
- 162 were directed at Christians, up 41% from 115 in 2024.
Notably, 88% of these events occurred in states governed by the BJP or its allies. Prominent figures, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, were among the top propagators, with Dhami linked to 71 instances.
Christian demographics remain stable at 2.3% of India’s population, as per Pew Research Center data from 1951 to 2011, debunking claims of aggressive expansion through conversions.
Historical Roots of Hindu Majoritarianism
This wave of intolerance traces back to the ideology of the RSS, established in 1925, which envisions India as a Hindu rashtra (nation). Influential thinkers like Vinayak Savarkar and MS Golwalkar—figures praised by current leaders—viewed non-Hindus as “internal enemies” requiring assimilation or subjugation. Since the BJP’s ascent in 2014, policies like anti-conversion laws in several states have institutionalized these views, often under the guise of preventing “love jihad” or coerced interfaith unions.
The narrative of “forced conversions” portrays Christian charitable acts—such as education and healthcare—as insidious plots, fostering a sense of Hindu victimhood to rally support.
Government Response and Political Dynamics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to a Catholic church in New Delhi on Christmas morning was a symbolic gesture, but it lacked any condemnation of the widespread violence. In Raipur, the quick bail for attackers signals leniency, while the absence of responses from BJP spokespersons or the Ministry of Home Affairs to media inquiries raises questions about accountability.
Experts link this boldness to the BJP’s 2024 electoral challenges, suggesting that intensifying anti-minority rhetoric helps consolidate voter bases, particularly among tribal and Dalit groups where Christian missions have historical influence.
Insights from Experts on the Broader Impact
Analysts emphasize the dangers of this trajectory. Raqib Naik from the Centre for the Study of Hate (CSOH) notes that the “forced conversion” trope frames minority benevolence as aggression, enabling discriminatory laws. He adds: “These narratives… manufacture an environment of perpetual Hindu victimhood.”
John Dayal, former president of the All India Catholic Union, expressed shock at churches needing police protection: “I couldn’t believe that such a letter had to be written.”
Author Ram Puniyani warns: “Hate speech eventually leads to violence,” attributing the rise to emboldened Hindutva activists post-BJP’s power retention.
Implications for India’s Future
This expansion of targets from Muslims to Christians threatens India’s constitutional commitment to secularism. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s 2025 report flagged discriminatory policies, potentially affecting India’s international relations and economic partnerships.
On a societal level, it instills fear, with communities like Raipur’s archbishop advising protective measures. If unaddressed, experts fear further polarization, eroding social harmony and democratic values.
In conclusion, while India prides itself on diversity, the recent uptick in religious targeting demands urgent dialogue and reforms to preserve its pluralistic ethos. Stakeholders, from policymakers to civil society, must act to curb this tide before it spirals further.
