Cardinal Cleemis Rebukes PM Modi on Christmas, Flags Attacks on Christians

New Delhi, December 25:

In a strong Christmas Day rebuke, Major Archbishop Cardinal Basilios Cleemis of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church criticised what he described as a “contradiction” in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s outreach to Christians, pointing to continuing attacks on the community even as the Prime Minister participates in festive observances.

The remarks came as Prime Minister Modi attended a morning Christmas service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi. Speaking to India Today, Cardinal Cleemis drew attention to recent incidents of violence against Christians, specifically citing the assault on a Christmas carol group in Palakkad district of Kerala, allegedly carried out by an RSS worker.

Speaking to India Today journalist Shibimol KG, the Cardinal said, “On one side, the Prime Minister is taking part in Christmas celebrations. In another place, the opposite is happening.” He underlined the disconnect between symbolic gestures at the national level and the lived reality of Christians facing hostility on the ground.

The Major Archbishop questioned the effectiveness of repeated assurances offered by those in power, arguing that statements of concern and promises of protection have not translated into concrete action. He noted that Church leaders have consistently raised issues related to attacks and intimidation with the authorities, but tangible outcomes remain elusive.

“Even after informing those in power and hearing assurances, when it comes to putting those statements into action, they have failed,” the Cardinal said, expressing frustration over what he described as a lack of accountability and follow-through.

The comments come at a politically sensitive time, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks to expand its support base among Christians in Kerala ahead of forthcoming elections. The Prime Minister’s participation in Christmas celebrations has been viewed by some as part of this outreach effort.

However, Cardinal Cleemis’ remarks underscore concerns within the Christian community that such gestures ring hollow when incidents of violence and intimidation continue unabated. By highlighting the Palakkad attack alongside the Prime Minister’s Christmas appearance, the Cardinal sought to draw attention to what he sees as a widening gap between public outreach and ground realities.

The Church’s intervention on Christmas Day has added a sharp note to the ongoing debate over minority safety, political outreach, and the responsibility of the state to ensure that assurances of harmony are reflected in action across the country.

Cardinal Cleemis Rebukes PM Modi on Christmas, Flags Attacks on Christians

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