Christians in Maharashtra are urging authorities to take legal action against a politician who allegedly encouraged violence against pastors and missionaries.
Gopichand Padalkar, a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reportedly made public statements offering cash rewards for attacking and even killing Christian leaders. He accused Christian workers of converting Hindus and tribal people, though without providing evidence.
In response, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has requested that the state government investigate the incident and report back within 21 days. The commission, which works under India’s federal Ministry of Home Affairs, received a formal complaint on the matter and forwarded it to the Maharashtra authorities on 24 July. The deadline for their response is 17 August.
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court has admitted a public interest case demanding legal action against Padalkar for allegedly inciting hatred and making threats against the Christian community.
“The process of justice has started. We now wait for strong action from the government,” said Cyril Samuel Dara, a Protestant lawyer who filed the complaint with the NCM. Dara, who is also secretary of the Christian Reform United People Association, described Padalkar’s statements as hate speech designed to create division and violence.
According to the complaint, Padalkar offered cash bounties ranging from 300,000 to 1.1 million rupees (approx. US$3,500 to US$13,000) for violent acts against Christian clergy.
The politician’s comments followed the suicide of a pregnant woman in Sangli district, which he linked to alleged Christian conversions. However, no evidence has been provided to support this claim. A video of the incident was widely circulated on social media.
His remarks have led to protests from Christians across Maharashtra, including in the capital, Mumbai.
Catholic activist Melwyn Fernandes, who submitted the petition to the High Court, argued that the lawmaker’s comments abused his public position and spread false accusations. Fernandes, secretary of the Association of Concerned Christians in Mumbai, told the court that the speech was widely shared online and through news broadcasts.
The petition, prepared by Catholic lawyer Sunita Banis, included a transcript of Padalkar’s speech. It stated that he mocked Christian beliefs, questioning the power of Jesus and challenging Him to act.
Banis also criticised the BJP-led state government for failing to respond, describing the inaction as a sign of political bias and a threat to trust in the country’s legal system.
The High Court is scheduled to hear the case on 18 August.
Adapted from UCA News.
