Reward for those who attack Christian priests; Christians protest against BJP MLA's statement

Christians in Maharashtra have staged a massive protest against a BJP MLA who called for attacks on Christian leadership. Thousands of Christians from across Maharashtra gathered at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on July 11 against BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar's controversial statement. More than twenty Christian organizations had come to support the protest organized by Sakal Christi Samaj. The Christians held placards and banners.

A video of Jat MLA Gopichand Padalkar, who had called for attacks on Christian priests and pastors and offered rewards, has created a lot of controversy. Gopichand's communal speech was said to have offered rewards ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 11 lakh for those who attack Christian priests and missionaries who lead religious conversions. Raphael D'Souza, former president of the Bombay Catholic Church, said that the state government's continued silence despite strong protests is dangerous.

Raphael D'Souza pointed out that even when Gopichand Padalkar, one of the sitting MLAs, had said, "Attack these Christians; I will give you Rs 3 lakh," the government had not taken any action against him during the Maharashtra Assembly session. Similar dharnas and protest programs are being held in several cities and various districts across the state demanding Padalkar's resignation and FIR.