SHILLONG, Feb 26: Senior BJP leader Sunil Deodhar courted controversy in Meghalaya after allegedly making remarks mocking Christians and Jesus Christ during a public gathering, prompting protests, a police complaint and criticism from political parties, including his own.
The incident reportedly took place at an indigenous forum meeting last week, where Deodhar, who hails from Maharashtra, delivered a speech in the Khasi language. A video clip of his address circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp reactions in the Christian-majority state. Critics alleged that he used expressions perceived as derogatory towards Christians and referred to Christ as an outsider or “dkhar”.
The ruling National People’s Party condemned the remarks, describing them as divisive and potentially harmful to communal harmony. The party’s youth wing lodged a police complaint accusing Deodhar of targeting the Christian community. NPP spokesperson HM Shangpliang termed the comments baseless and urged political leaders to uphold peace and tolerance.
State BJP general secretary W. Pohshang said the remarks reflected severe bias against Christians and clarified that the party did not endorse such statements. Amid mounting criticism, the state BJP leadership distanced itself from Deodhar’s comments and called on him to issue a public apology.
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council staged protests in Shillong, burning an effigy of the leader and demanding accountability. Civil society groups also voiced concern over the potential impact of the controversy on social cohesion.
Facing widespread backlash, Deodhar issued a statement apologising for hurting religious sentiments and expressed what he described as immense respect for Christ. The apology was shared with the BJP’s state unit and circulated in the media.
Police confirmed that they had received a complaint and were examining the matter. Authorities appealed to the public to maintain calm and refrain from sharing inflammatory content online while the issue remained under review.
