Amid Attacks on Christmas Celebrations by Sangh Parivar, PM Modi Attends Christmas Mass in Delhi

New Delhi: At a time when Sangh Parivar–linked groups are accused of unleashing attacks against Christmas celebrations across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas mass at a church in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister participated in prayer services held at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption on North Avenue. He arrived at the church around 8.30 am on Thursday and took part in the Holy Mass.

Special prayers and carol singing were conducted under the leadership of the Bishop of Delhi, Rev. Paul Swarup. BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar and others accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit.

The church visit comes amid growing protests and criticism over attacks targeting Christians and Christmas celebrations in various parts of the country.

Church leaders had earlier expressed concern over incidents in several northern states where carol groups were stopped and church institutions were attacked. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) had urged the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to ensure an atmosphere in which Christmas celebrations could be held without fear.

The Prime Minister’s church visit is being viewed as a political outreach by the BJP towards the Christian community. Earlier this year, on Easter, he had also visited the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi.

However, the visit has drawn sharp criticism, with public accusing the Prime Minister of maintaining silence over attacks against Christians and indirectly allowing such violence, calling the gesture a display of “hypocritical affection” amid continued incidents of intimidation and assault.