Christians in India fear that persecution of their communities will intensify after the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won elections in four states, which will be seen as an overwhelming endorsement of the party’s anti-minority stance.

As per the results announced last week for elections in five states, the BJP retained power in four states, including the most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, the northern state

of Uttarakhand, the south-western state of Goa and the north-eastern state of Manipur. In northern Punjab state, the BJP lost the election.

Uttar Pradesh state witnessed at least 102 incidents of violence against Christians in 2021, according to a report by the United Christian Forum.

Days before the announcement of the results, Hindu nationalists had warned some Christians that the community in the state might face “extermination”, The Telegraph reported.

Ten states in India, including Uttar Pradesh, have passed “anti-conversion” laws, which presume that Christians “force” or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

While some of these laws have been in place for decades in some states, no Christian has been convicted of “forcibly” converting anyone to Christianity. These laws, however, allow Hindu nationalist groups to make false charges against Christians and launch attacks on them under the pretext of the alleged forced conversion.

Source: Christian Post

Let us pray.

Pray the Christians in India will not be fearful but will hold firm to their faith and encourage one another during this time of increased opposition.

Pray the Gospel will continue to go forth throughout the nation despite the efforts of those who oppose it.

Pray for the protection of evangelists and church leaders who are frequently targeted.