Pre-Christmas Tensions Across India: Tensions Erupt in Jabalpur, Delhi and Haridwar Over Alleged Conversions

With Christmas just two days away, tensions have surfaced in several parts of the country, triggering political and social controversy ahead of the festival. Incidents from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Haridwar have brought the spotlight on allegations of religious conversion and protests linked to Christmas-related activities. In Jabalpur, chaos erupted after allegations were made that religious conversion was being carried out under the guise of Christmas celebrations. Hindu organizations, along with local BJP leaders, reached a church where around 70 visually impaired and differently-abled children had been invited for a meal. The situation escalated into a heated argument, and a video surfaced showing BJP’s Jabalpur city vice-president Anju Bhargava allegedly misbehaving with a visually impaired woman. Bhargava has denied the allegations and demanded the release of the full, unedited video to present her side. However, police officials have clarified that their preliminary investigation found no evidence of forced or illegal conversion. In Delhi’s East of Kailash area, a separate controversy arose when pamphlets inviting people to Christmas celebrations at a nearby church were distributed by women and children wearing Santa Claus caps. Local residents objected, leading to verbal arguments. Delhi Police later stated that the incident was not related to opposition to Christmas, but a minor dispute that was resolved on the spot. Meanwhile, in Haridwar, Sanatan organizations staged protests along the Ganga ghats, opposing Christmas celebrations on December 25. Authorities in all three locations have appealed for calm, stressing that investigations are ongoing and law-and-order will be maintained.