CBCI Refutes Mohan Bhagwat’s Claim That India Is a Hindu Rashtra

New Delhi, November 10, 2025: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has strongly refuted recent statements made by Mr. Mohan Bhagwat, describing his claim that “Bharat is a Hindu Rashtra” as misleading and deceptive.

Citing media reports dated November 9, 2025, the CBCI clarified that Indian Christians are proud Indians and “Bharateeya,” but not Hindu. It recalled that the Supreme Court of India, in its judgment of March 11, 2016 (Writ Petition Civil No. 203/2015), rejected the plea to use terms such as “Hindustan” or “Hind” for India.

The CBCI reiterated that India “is and will always remain a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic,” condemning any attempt to convert the nation into a Hindu Rashtra. It urged all citizens, especially Christians, to take constitutional measures to safeguard India’s secular and democratic character.

The statement also referred to the Justice Venugopal Commission’s report on the 1982 Kanyakumari violence against Christians, which highlighted the RSS’s militant attitude and its methods of provoking communal tensions through propaganda, fearmongering, infiltration into administration, weapon training, and rumour-spreading.

The CBCI further drew attention to the August 2024 issue of Panchjanya, which linked caste loyalty to nationalism, and contrasted it with the Manu Smriti rule assigning servitude to Shudras. It expressed concern over rising economic inequality and exploitative labour practices while questioning the direction proposed by Mr. Bhagwat.

Reaffirming the Christian community’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building, the CBCI pledged continued commitment to the country’s democratic and secular values.

By Catholic Connect Reporter