PM Modi joins Christmas prayers as right-wing protests reported across nation

New Delhi: Hindutva rightwing activists on Thursday disrupted Christmas celebrations in some parts of the country even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas morning service at a church here along with a large congregation of Christians of Delhi and north India.

In Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly, Bajrang Dal leaders gathered in front of outside St Alphonsus Cathedral Church in the Cantonment area and recited 'Hanuman Chalisa', claiming that they were protesting against "objectionable" portrayal of Hindu temples and their customs during a festival celebration.

The principal of a private school in Rajasthan's Nagaur district alleged that a group of people claiming to be Bajrang Dal members threatened children and staff over Christmas celebrations at the institute on Thursday.

Following a complaint from the school owner, police detained three persons. Around 40 students were present during the programme, and the incident created panic among them, PTI reported.

Incidents of rightwing supporters disrupting Christmas celebrations from Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Kerala, Assam and Uttar Pradesh were reported during the past 4-5 days.

In Delhi, Modi attended the Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption. The service included prayers, carols, hymns and a special prayer for the Prime Minister by Rt. Rev. Dr Paul Swarup, the Bishop of Delhi of Church of North India

"Attended the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi. The service reflected the timeless message of love, peace and compassion. May the spirit of Christmas inspire harmony and goodwill in our society," Modi posted on X.

Quoting Modi's post, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek O'Brien said, "Love? Peace? Compassion? Harmony? Goodwill? Christmas?"

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, "when a few right-wing violent groups, acting in the name of the majority, indulge in attacks and riots, even as the Prime Minister participates in Christmas celebrations, it sends a disturbing message to the nation."

Congress Media and Publicity Department Chairperson Pawan Khera said, "these people go outside mosques and play DJ, blaring provocative songs. On Christmas, these people read the Hanuman Chalisa outside churches, snatch Santa Claus hats, and cause destruction…These goons can neither belong to Hindu dharma nor have any connection to Indian civilization."