Fri Jan 03 07:02:26 UTC 2025: **TMC Leader Demands Answers from Modi Government on Treatment of Christian Community**

NEW DELHI, January 3, 2025 – Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien has issued a scathing critique of the Narendra Modi government’s treatment of India’s Christian community, demanding answers to a series of pointed questions. His statement follows Prime Minister Modi’s recent attendance at a Christmas celebration hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).

In a blog post and subsequent media statements, O’Brien accused the government of weaponizing the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) against Christian institutions, ignoring the plight of the people of Manipur, and promoting anti-conversion laws that violate fundamental constitutional rights. He further questioned the government’s pursuit of a Waqf bill, alleging it exacerbates minority-versus-minority conflicts, particularly in Kerala.

O’Brien also criticized the government’s silence on hate speech and violence against Christians, highlighting the increasing attacks on minority-run institutions and the concerning loss of UN accreditation for India’s National Human Rights Commission. He specifically referenced the death of Father Stan Swamy, a tribal rights activist who died in custody.

O’Brien called for the Christian leadership to actively challenge those who fail to uphold the Constitution, urging them to move beyond symbolic gestures. His statement marks a significant escalation of criticism against the government’s handling of religious minority issues.

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