Archbishop seeks action against ‘hate speech’ by VHP leader

Demanding action, the Archbishop stated, “We want you to book the said VHP leader and the organisers of the event in Kadi for inciting the people by organising such hate campaign and take stringent action against these hooligans.”

VHP leader hate speech, hate speech, hate speeches, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Ahmedabad news, Gujarat, Indian Express, Current affairs

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel

The Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar on Tuesday wrote a letter to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel seeking “immediate and stringent action” against a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader and organisers of an event at Kadi for “insulting the Pope and religious personnel”.

Citing and attaching a purported video clip of “hate speech” by a VHP leader in Kadi of Mehsana district, Archbishop Thomas Ignatius Macwan stated in the letter, “The speech is obnoxious and shameful as it denigrates the person of the Holy Father Pope Francis, with wild accusations against his character and integrity… He has also cast aspersion on the integrity of the nuns and priests who have been doing yeoman service to humanity irrespective of caste, creed or religion in Kadi-Unteshwari since many years…”

Demanding action, the Archbishop stated, “We want you to book the said VHP leader and the organisers of the event in Kadi for inciting the people by organising such hate campaign and take stringent action against these hooligans.”

Story continues below this ad

Catholic Church of Gujarat spokesperson Father Vinayak Jadhav said, “The VHP event was held this week at Unteshwari village of Kadi taluka… the villagers informed that it was a trishul diksha programme.”

The letter also cited incidents in two schools in February, when “unruly elements caused ruckus and put the church personnel under great physical and mental risk”. The schools cited are St Mary’s School Amreli and St Thomas School Mahuva.

In a letter on February 20, Secretary of the Gujarati Education Board of Catholic Institutions, Father Telesphoro Tiago Fernandes, had drawn the CM’s attention to the stated incidents.

“…the large majority of our Hindu brethen are overwhelmingly appreciative and supportive the Church’s work in the field of education, healthcare and social service… Please take stringent action against the culprits and give us protection,” the letter stated.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Taboola...

H-1B $100,000 entry fee explained: Who pays, who’s exempt, and what’s still unclear?

Explained7 hr ago

The White House's decision to impose a $100,000 entry fee on H-1B visa holders has sparked worry among Indian tech workers and students. While uncertainties remain about its implementation and exemptions, major tech companies have cautioned employees against traveling. The policy could lead to a shift towards other visa categories and potentially change the STEM immigration pipeline.

View all shorts

Live Blog