Modiji Attends Christmas Service Amid Political and Social Debate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi, greeting the Christian community and highlighting the festival’s core message of peace, love, and harmony. The Prime Minister’s visit comes amid growing political debate over alleged attacks on minority communities during the holiday season.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption, in New Delhi on Thursday. (DPR PMO) | Hindustan Times

Christmas Greetings and Engagement with the Christian Community

During the service, Modiji conveyed a message urging citizens to embrace the timeless values of “love, peace, and compassion.” His participation reflects a pattern of engagement with religious communities, as officials note that he has attended Easter and Christmas events in Delhi in previous years. In addition to Modiji, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President J.P. Nadda participated in celebrations organized by the Mao Naga Christian Fellowship Delhi (MNCFD), emphasizing the teachings of Jesus Christ and the spirit of joy and togetherness.

Officials highlighted that Modiji’s outreach to Christian communities has been consistent over the years, citing events such as Easter 2023 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Christmas 2023 programs at his residence, and gatherings hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).

Opposition Voices Concerns Over Minority Attacks

Despite the festive occasion, opposition parties criticized the government for what they describe as a rise in attacks on Christians and other minorities. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien referenced the assault of a visually impaired woman in Jabalpur by a BJP leader, alleging it was linked to accusations of religious conversion. He questioned the silence of the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah, contrasting the official Christmas message with ongoing incidents of violence.

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condemned attacks by certain right-wing groups, emphasizing that such acts during the Prime Minister’s public celebrations send a “disturbing message” and reflect a 74% reported rise in hate speech against minorities since the BJP assumed office.

Christian Leaders Call for Protection

Religious leaders also voiced concern. John Brittas, CPI(M) MP, highlighted the persistence of attacks on Christians, claiming that in 2025 alone, nearly 700 incidents had been reported by November, a number expected to exceed 1,000 by year-end. Brittas urged the Prime Minister to make an explicit statement condemning these attacks to uphold the Constitution and protect citizens’ rights to worship freely.

The CBCI President, Andrews Thazhath, also condemned the incidents of hatred and violence. In a video message, he appealed to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and state leaders to enforce laws strictly and provide proactive protection to Christian communities. Thazhath emphasized that such incidents “deeply wound the spirit of our Constitution,” which guarantees freedom of religion and the right to worship without fear.

Balancing Festive Symbolism and Social Realities

Modiji’s attendance at the Christmas service underscores both a commitment to interfaith engagement and the symbolic importance of festivals in promoting harmony. At the same time, political and civil society critiques highlight ongoing challenges regarding communal safety and tolerance. This dual narrative reflects India’s complex social fabric, where symbolic gestures coexist with pressing debates over religious freedom and minority protection.

The MGMM Outlook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi highlights his consistent engagement with India’s Christian community. Greeting worshippers and emphasizing the festival’s values of peace, love, and compassion, Modiji’s participation reflects a broader pattern of outreach seen in past Easter and Christmas events, including gatherings at the Sacred Heart Cathedral and programs organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. BJP President J.P. Nadda also joined celebrations, reinforcing messages of joy, togetherness, and adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ. These gestures underscore the symbolic importance of festivals in promoting interfaith harmony and national unity, while recognizing the cultural significance of Christmas across India.

At the same time, the festive atmosphere contrasts with serious concerns raised by opposition parties and religious leaders regarding attacks on minorities. Reports of assaults on Christians, rising hate speech, and targeted violence have drawn criticism from figures like CPI(M) MP John Brittas and CBCI President Andrews Thazhath, who called for stronger protection and strict enforcement of laws to safeguard citizens’ constitutional rights to worship freely. Opposition leaders, including Derek O’Brien and M.K. Stalin, emphasized the disconnect between public celebrations and ground realities, warning that unchecked violence undermines social trust. The situation illustrates the ongoing challenge of balancing ceremonial engagement with tangible measures to ensure safety and equality for all communities in India.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, Economic Times)