Massive Protests Erupt After BJP MLA Offers Bounty on Priests
Mumbai, July 12, 2025 – Maharashtra witnessed a wave of protests this week as Christian communities across the state expressed outrage over controversial remarks made by BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar. The MLA from Sangli allegedly offered monetary rewards ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹11 lakh to anyone who targets Christian priests and missionaries accused of religious conversions. This incendiary statement has sparked condemnation from civil society, religious groups, and political opponents alike.
The Statement and Its Fallout
The controversy stems from a public address made by Padalkar on June 17, where he claimed that Christian missionaries were forcibly converting poor tribal people and Dalits. In what many have called an incitement to violence, Padalkar announced bounties on individuals allegedly involved in such conversions, sparking fears among the Christian community and raising serious concerns about communal harmony and the rule of law.
Responding to these comments, over 15,000 Christians gathered at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on July 11 for a massive peaceful protest. Organized by various Christian associations, the protest demanded immediate action against Padalkar under hate speech and criminal incitement laws.
Demands for Legal Action
Leaders from the community submitted formal petitions to the state government and Mumbai Police, calling for:
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The registration of an FIR against Gopichand Padalkar,
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His resignation from the legislative assembly,
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Legal proceedings under sections related to hate speech and incitement to violence.
Christian leaders also warned that the lack of action against such inflammatory remarks could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging communal violence and threatening India's secular fabric.
A Wider Concern: Anti-Conversion Law
The protest also reignited debate over a proposed anti-conversion law being discussed by the Maharashtra government. State Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil has expressed interest in implementing a law to curb "forcible" conversions, which many fear could be misused to target minority communities, especially Christians and Muslims.
The Archdiocese of Bombay issued a public statement condemning the remarks and warning that any anti-conversion bill must be in line with Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate one’s religion.
Legal Pushback and Political Silence
A pastor from Ahmednagar has already filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking criminal charges against Padalkar. Despite growing pressure, the BJP leadership has so far remained silent on the issue, leading to criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties.
Congress and NCP leaders have condemned the remarks and questioned whether the BJP is promoting religious hatred for political gain.
Conclusion
The protests following Gopichand Padalkar's comments have once again spotlighted the growing tensions around religion, conversion, and freedom of speech in India. As the legal and political battle unfolds, all eyes are now on how the Maharashtra government and judiciary respond to what many are calling a dangerous and unacceptable escalation of communal rhetoric.
Keywords: Gopichand Padalkar, Christian priests, bounty, protests, anti-conversion law, Maharashtra, hate speech, communal harmony, BJP, religious freedom, Azad Maidan protest
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