The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Meghalaya unit has demanded a public apology and retraction from senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) member Sunil Deodhar due to his remarks about the Christian community, made during the Indigenous Faith Forum and a school inauguration. BJP state general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna expressed deep concern over Deodhar’s statements, which he claimed displayed bias against Christians and showed contempt for the Holy Bible, particularly by referring to Jesus Christ with a derogatory term from Khasi culture. Pohshna noted that these comments offended the sentiments of Christians in Meghalaya and those who value principles such as Ekatma Manavaad (Integral Humanism) and Sarva Dharma Sambhav.
He emphasized that while preserving indigenous religions is crucial, religion should not be ridiculed publicly. Citing Prime Minister Modi’s respect for Christianity during Christmas, Pohshna highlighted the importance of public discourse embodying harmony and mutual respect. He cautioned that Deodhar’s comments could threaten communal cohesion in the state, calling for reflection on the matter. Deodhar, known for his anti-conversion stance, had previously campaigned for Modi and recently inaugurated a facility aimed at countering religious conversions in Meghalaya, igniting further political and social discussion about maintaining religious harmony in an area where Christianity is integral to local culture.