Kerala CM Slams ‘Hindutva Vigilantism’ in Odisha Priest and Nun Attack

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly condemned what he described as an incident of “Hindutva vigilantism” following the alleged assault on Catholic priests and nuns in Odisha’s Jaleswar. The CM said the attack was based on “false charges of religious conversion” and reflected a disturbing rise in targeted hostility towards the Christian community in the country.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Vijayan accused members of the Sangh Parivar of orchestrating the assault, calling them “goons” and linking the incident to what he termed an “ongoing communal witch-hunt” against Christians. He cited a recent case in Chhattisgarh, where nuns were arrested under similar allegations, as evidence of a broader pattern of intimidation and harassment. “Such Hindutva vigilantism, enabled by the regime’s impunity, must be unitedly resisted by secular and democratic forces,” Vijayan wrote.

The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday in Odisha’s Balasore district when vehicles carrying a group of Catholic priests and nuns many of them Keralites were intercepted by locals. The group allegedly accused them of engaging in forced religious conversions. Eyewitnesses claim the confrontation turned aggressive, with verbal abuse and physical intimidation directed at the clergy members.

Also Read: Kerala Delivers 348 New Homes for Coastal Families

While official police reports are still awaited, local sources suggest that the incident caused significant fear among the group, many of whom were traveling for community outreach work. The attack has sparked outrage among Christian organizations, human rights groups, and political leaders, who have demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against the perpetrators.

Vijayan’s statement has reignited the debate on religious freedom in India, with many pointing out that such incidents contribute to an atmosphere of insecurity for minority communities. Rights activists argue that unchecked mob actions, under the guise of preventing conversions, undermine constitutional guarantees and embolden extremist elements.

The Odisha government has yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident, but pressure is mounting from multiple quarters for swift justice. For now, the episode has deepened communal fault lines and put the spotlight once again on the growing challenges to secular values in the country.

Also Read: Kannur’s ‘Two-Rupee Doctor’ Passes Away