Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor Condemns Christmas Vandalism: “Every Indian is Assaulted”

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has condemned attacks on India’s Christian community during Christmas 2025. He made the statement on Wednesday while extending greetings in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency. The MP called the incidents an assault on the nation’s core values.

His remarks follow reported acts of vandalism and protests by right-wing groups in several states. Tharoor emphasized Kerala’s long tradition of religious respect. He said this tradition is central to the state’s inclusive politics.

Attacks Spark National Outcry Over Religious Harmony

According to reports, multiple incidents marred the Christmas celebrations. In Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, Bajrang Dal members protested outside St. Alphonsus Cathedral Church. They alleged a Christmas event portrayed Hinduism in an objectionable manner.

In Assam’s Nalbari district, police arrested four individuals linked to the VHP and Bajrang Dal. They are accused of vandalizing Christmas decorations at a school and local shops. The incident involved burning and damaging festive items meant for celebration.

Separately, a BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh faced backlash. A video showed her arguing aggressively with a visually impaired woman inside a church. The confrontation has added to the growing national discourse on intolerance. The timing is critical.

A Broader Threat to India’s Pluralistic Fabric

Tharoor’s condemnation taps into a wider concern about communal harmony. “When people of a community are assaulted, every Indian is assaulted,” he told PTI. This statement frames the attacks as a national issue, not a sectarian one.

Analysts see this as a defense of India’s secular and pluralistic identity. The incidents test the country’s social cohesion. They also challenge political narratives around religious tolerance and legal protection for all faiths.

The response from authorities is being closely watched. Legal action in Assam signals official disapproval of vandalism. However, the spread of such events suggests underlying tensions require broader societal address.

The strong condemnation from a senior politician like Shashi Tharoor highlights the seriousness of the Christmas vandalism. It frames the protection of minority rights as integral to national unity. This incident is likely to fuel ongoing debates about India’s commitment to pluralism.

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What did Shashi Tharoor say about the Christmas attacks?

Tharoor stated that any assault on a religious community is an assault on every Indian. He stressed that respect for all traditions is central to India’s, and particularly Kerala’s, ethos.

Where did the Christmas vandalism and protests occur?

Incidents were reported in Uttar Pradesh (Bareilly), Assam (Nalbari), and Madhya Pradesh. These involved protests outside a church, vandalism of decorations, and a hostile confrontation inside a church.

Which groups were involved in the incidents?

Members associated with the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) were named in reports. Police in Assam arrested four individuals linked to these groups for vandalism.

What has been the official response to the vandalism?

Police in Assam have made arrests related to the vandalism charges. Broader political and legal responses from state and national authorities continue to develop.

Why is Tharoor’s statement significant?

As a prominent MP and voice for pluralism, his condemnation raises the issue’s national profile. It positions the attacks as a threat to the country’s fundamental values, not just a local law-and-order matter.

Trusted Sources: Press Trust of India (PTI), Reuters.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information from reputable news agencies. All claims are presented as reported, and the situation may be subject to further legal investigation and development.