New Delhi, April 5, 2025 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized what he described as a politically motivated narrative targeting the Catholic Church, following a controversial article that alleged large-scale land ownership by the Church in India. Gandhi accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its ideological affiliates of orchestrating yet another divisive campaign aimed at minority communities.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi posted, “Didn’t take long for the RSS to launch an attack on the Christian community. This pattern is now painfully familiar — vilify, spread misinformation, and divide India’s people on religious lines.”
The article in question, published by a right-wing outlet earlier this week, claimed that the Catholic Church in India owned “thousands of acres of prime land,” particularly in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa. It went on to suggest that these holdings were unregulated and lacked transparency. Critics say the article relied on vague data and insinuations rather than verified records or legal analysis.
Gandhi, who has consistently positioned himself as a defender of minority rights, said such narratives are part of a larger strategy to intimidate religious institutions that have historically been involved in education, healthcare, and social welfare. “The Church has played a vital role in building India’s social fabric. This kind of targeted propaganda only seeks to damage that legacy,” he added.
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Senior Congress leaders echoed Gandhi’s concerns. Party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, “This is not about land or regulation. This is about sowing hatred and creating a communal atmosphere ahead of elections.”
The BJP, meanwhile, denied any involvement in the publication of the article. However, several affiliated voices, including some Sangh-aligned commentators, defended the piece, calling it an “investigative look into unchecked land acquisitions.”
Christian leaders across India have voiced alarm over the article and the reactions it has provoked. Bishop Thomas D’Souza of Kolkata said in a statement, “This is a deliberate attempt to create suspicion about the Church’s intentions and contributions. We call on all Indians to see through the agenda and stand for unity.”
This episode comes amid a tense political climate in India, where debates around religious freedom, property rights, and minority representation have become increasingly charged. With the general elections on the horizon, observers believe such controversies may only grow in intensity.
Rahul Gandhi concluded his statement with a broader warning: “Today it’s the Church. Tomorrow it will be someone else. India must wake up to this systematic destruction of its secular soul.”
