- 23 July, 2025
Raipur, July 22, 2025 : Christian leaders in Chhattisgarh have strongly refuted recent allegations claiming they are using social media to convert indigenous communities. Labelling the accusations as part of a deliberate conspiracy, they are calling for a fair and unbiased government investigation.
The controversy follows a report published on 16 July in Swadesh, a Hindi-language daily, titled “New game of conversion through social media in Chhattisgarh: Tribals are made Christians through WhatsApp.” The article accused Christians of gathering mobile numbers of tribal families and targeting them online for conversions, and even alleged that they were trapping young tribal girls in “love jihad” schemes.
“These are completely unfounded allegations,” said Pastor Simon Digbal Tandi, Coordinator of the Progressive Christian Alliance and member of the Council of Evangelical Churches in India. Speaking to Catholic Connect, he emphasised that “these claims are part of a lined-up conspiracy against Christians.”
Pastor Tandi added, “After COVID, we started using Zoom, Google Meet, and other platforms for prayer meetings, services, and online gatherings. We’ve continued this since 2020. They want to keep us away from social media — that is their real interest.”
He accused right-wing groups of attempting to infiltrate the Christian community through social media surveillance while pushing a nationalistic ideology. “They’re preparing people to stand against our system. This is also an attack on our right to privacy,” he said.
Asked how he came across the Swadesh report, Pastor Tandi shared, “I saw it in a common group where friends share news. A friend posted it and we discussed taking legal action. We haven’t drafted a memorandum yet, but we plan to. This is a very sensitive issue for our Christian community.”
Pastor Tandi believes the media in Chhattisgarh is playing a divisive role. “Yes, it is their intention. They want the people to go against the Christian community and keep us away from platforms like Twitter and Instagram.”
The backlash to the article has been strong. Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur of Raipur called it “part of an ongoing smear campaign” and criticised the state’s BJP-led government for protecting Hindu activists rather than victims of religious attacks. Pastor Moses Logan of the All India Christian Welfare Society also condemned the report as a deliberate attempt to defame Christians.
Chhattisgarh recorded 165 anti-Christian incidents in 2024 — the second highest in India — according to the United Christian Forum. Christians make up only 2% of the state’s population of 30 million.
In a message to the global community, Pastor Tandi said, “I appeal to all Christians to stay aware and to keep using social media. I also urge the state government and authorities to investigate this issue without any bias and to stand fairly with the Christian community.”
By Catholic Connect Reporter
Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates:
Android: Click here to download
© 2025 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
