The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Meghalaya unit on Tuesday sought a public apology and retraction from party leader and senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) member Sunil Deodhar over his recent remarks concerning the Christian community.
The controversy arose following comments allegedly made by Deodhar at the Indigenous Faith Forum held in Pynter under the Pynursla subdivision a few days ago, as well as during the inauguration of a school in the same area. BJP state general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna, in a strongly-worded letter addressed to Deodhar, expressed deep concern over the statements, stating that they had caused “deep anguish and disbelief.”
According to Pohshna, the remarks reflected bias against Christians, displayed contempt toward the Holy Bible, and included references to Jesus Christ as a “Dkhar” (a term commonly used in Khasi society to denote a non-Khasi person). He said the statements had hurt the sentiments of the Christian community in Meghalaya and also those who uphold the principles of Ekatma Manavaad (Integral Humanism), Sarva Dharma Sambhav, and Sarva Dharma Samman — values he described as fundamental to the nation and reflected within the BJP’s ideology.
While acknowledging the importance of preserving indigenous faiths such as Seng Khasi and Niam Tre, Pohshna emphasized that religion is a personal matter and should not be subjected to ridicule in public discourse. He cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an example, noting that the Prime Minister has consistently expressed respect for Christianity and often recalls the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly during Christmas celebrations.
Referring to the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Pohshna stated that public discourse must embody harmony, inclusivity, and mutual respect. He warned that Deodhar’s remarks risk undermining communal harmony and unity in the state and therefore warrant serious introspection.
Sunil Deodhar, who has frequently spoken out on religious conversions in the Northeast, had earlier served as campaign manager for Narendra Modi in the Varanasi constituency during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. He recently inaugurated an institution in Mawkyrnot with what was described as an explicit mandate to “counter religious conversions” in Meghalaya.
The issue has sparked political and social debate in the state, with calls for maintaining religious harmony in a region where Christianity forms a significant part of the social fabric.
