Christians fear more attacks if Hindu party wins election

CHRISTIANS in India’s most populous state fear a recent increase in Hindu nationalist violence will accelerate if the ruling party wins a key local election today, and could even “exterminate” their community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies are expected to secure up to 277 seats out of 403 in Uttar Pradesh, a comfortable majority, recent polls show.

Holding on to India’s most politically important state would boost Mr Modi’s hopes of winning a third straight term of office in the 2024 general election and bolster his image as the country’s most popular politician in decades.

It would be seen as a seal of approval for his Hindu nationalist party’s unabashed anti-minority stance, including an unofficial crackdown on Christians.

“A Hindu leader has already threatened us that they are waiting for the election results and after that they will exterminate Christians from Uttar Pradesh,” said Emanuel Singh.

His parents were attacked and arrested for allegedly forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity, an inflammatory and politically charged accusation often levelled at the community. They deny all charges and were released two weeks ago after five months in jail.

“The return of the BJP to power means more trouble for us. With the BJP in power, the attacks on Christians will increase in the next five years,” he added. “We are worried because they hate our faith, our religion. The BJP government doesn’t tolerate any other faith except Hindu.” India boasts a Christian community of 28 million that

dates back to 52AD. But since 2014, when Mr Modi was first elected, attacks against Christians have spiked.

The Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian non-profit organisation based in the United States, has noted a 220 per cent increase since 2014.

Last year alone, there were 486 violent incidents reported by the United Christian Forum, a nationwide volunteer and activist group.

By far the highest number of attacks – 66 – was reported in Uttar Pradesh.