Thousands Protest in Mumbai Over BJP MLA’s Call for Violence Against Christian Clergy

MUMBAI, July 11, 2025— Thousands of Christians from across Maharashtra gathered at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Friday afternoon to protest against BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar, who made inflammatory remarks encouraging violence against Christian priests and pastors. The protest, organised by the Sakal Christi Samaj and supported by over 20 Christian organisations, ran from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and was attended by Christians from various denominations as well as several political leaders and civil society activists from Maharashtra.

Demonstrators expressed deep anguish and outrage over Padalkar’s alleged statement in a viral video, where he reportedly offered cash rewards for attacking Christian pastors suspected of indulging in religious conversions. Protesters demanded Padalkar’s immediate expulsion from the state assembly, the registration of an FIR against him, and swift government action to curb the rising atrocities against the Christian community in the state.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Raphael D’Souza, former president of the Bombay Catholic Sabha, condemned the state government’s silence on the issue:

“The biggest concern is the lack of response—even when one of their own sitting MLAs, Gopichand Padalkar, reportedly said, ‘Attack these Christians; I will give you three lakh rupees.’ Despite the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly being in session, no action has been taken against him.”

D’Souza also highlighted the Christian community’s longstanding contributions to Indian society.

“We are a peace-loving community that has played a vital role in education, healthcare, and social services. These accusations of forced conversions are completely baseless. There isn’t even an iota of proof—only unfounded allegations”, he stated.

He added that a delegation of Christians is planning to meet with the Chief Minister soon to present their concerns.

Prominent political figures also joined the protest in solidarity with the Christian community. Among them were Congress leaders Bhai Jagtap, Varsha Gaikwad, and Vijay Wadettiwar; NCP leader Jayant Patil; and Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi. Eminent Christian figures such as Father Frazer Mascarenhas, former principal of St. Xavier’s College, and Janet D’Souza, former vice-chairperson of the Maharashtra Minority Commission, were also present.

Norbert Mendonsa, Vice President of the Bombay Catholic Sabha (Socio-Civic and Political Affairs), confirmed that the issue has now been formally taken up in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

“The assembly is currently in session, and the matter is officially on the agenda,” he said.

Protesters stressed the urgent need for state protection amid increasing attacks on Christian leaders and incidents of church vandalism. Several political leaders called for unity across religious and social lines. They emphasised that such hate speech by an elected public representative endangers the Christian community and also threatens the secular fabric of the nation.

As the state legislative assembly session continues, the Christian community in Maharashtra remains hopeful that the matter will be addressed with the seriousness it warrants.

By Catholic Connect Reporter