Christmas celebrations in parts of India were disrupted this year following a series of incidents involving vandalism, arson and clashes, largely affecting Christian institutions and public festivities, according to police reports and civil society groups. The incidents were reported across several states between 20 and 25 December, with churches, schools, prayer meetings and Christmas decorations among those targeted. In many cases, groups involved claimed they were acting to prevent alleged religious conversions, allegations denied by Christian organisations. Rights groups say the events come amid a broader rise in attacks on Christians in recent years. The United Christian Forum (UCF), which documents incidents against the community, recorded more than 700 cases nationwide in 2025 up to November, with Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh reporting the highest numbers. Incidents Before Christmas In central India’s Chhattisgarh state, violence was reported in Kanker district days before...
The Bihar Assembly elections delivered one of the most decisive results in the state’s political history, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing a remarkable 202 out of 243 seats. The landslide has reaffirmed Nitish Kumar’s standing as one of India’s most durable political figures and strengthened the BJP’s position as a dominant force in Bihar. The outcome surprised even members of the ruling bloc. Coming after months of speculation about Nitish Kumar’s health and political longevity, the verdict reflected a clear vote of confidence in his leadership. Women voters, who turned out in exceptional numbers, were widely credited for shaping the final outcome. Welfare schemes targeting education, safety, mobility and financial independence translated into a powerful pro-incumbency force that cut across caste lines. The alliance between the JDU and BJP, often tested in the past, worked with unusual precision throughout the campaign. BJP not only acted as the organisational engi...