Guwahati: Senior BJP leader Sunil Deodhar has come under fire in Meghalaya after allegedly making remarks perceived as mocking Christians and Jesus Christ during a public gathering, triggering protests and a police complaint.
The controversy arose from a speech delivered at an indigenous forum meeting last week, a video of which later circulated widely on social media. The remarks drew sharp criticism from political parties and civil society groups in the Christian-majority state.
The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) condemned the comments as “divisive rhetoric”, with its youth wing filing a police complaint alleging that Deodhar targeted the Christian community. The party said the statements were factually incorrect and had the potential to disturb communal harmony.
Deodhar, who is from Maharashtra, reportedly made the remarks in Khasi. According to critics, the speech included expressions viewed as derogatory towards Christians and references to Jesus Christ as an outsider or “dkhar”.
State BJP general secretary W. Pohshang said the comments reflected “severe bias against Christians” and acknowledged that the remarks had caused concern. Amid mounting backlash, the BJP’s State unit distanced itself from the statements and urged Deodhar to tender a public apology.
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), a social organisation, staged protests in Shillong, burning an effigy of the BJP leader and demanding action against him.
In a subsequent statement, Deodhar expressed regret, saying his remarks had “hurt religious sentiments” and affirming his “immense respect for Christ”. The apology was reportedly shared with the BJP’s State leadership and circulated to the media.
Earlier, NPP spokesperson HM Shangpliang described the comments as baseless and accused Deodhar of attempting to sow division. He called on political leaders to uphold peace, tolerance and mutual respect, warning that such statements could undermine social cohesion.
Police confirmed that a complaint had been received and was under examination. Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing inflammatory material on social media.