BJP UP govt ignores minority sensitivities, keeps schools open on Christmas
Community terms decision ‘deliberate targeting of sacred Christian calendar
Lucknow: In another move reflecting the Hindutva government’s disregard for minorities’ religious sensitivities, the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government has refused to declare a holiday for schools across the state, denying Christians their traditional Christmas holiday, today.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the state’s Department of Basic Education issued an order on December 22 declaring that December 25 will instead be devoted to commemorating the birth anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, marking the conclusion of his birth centenary year. The order directs schools to organise compulsory programmes in Vajpayee’s honour, making attendance mandatory for all students.
The decision departs sharply from the department’s own official holiday calendar, which had listed December 25 as “Christmas Day.”
Observers say the abrupt reversal highlights the growing marginalisation of Christian communities under the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, where minority festivals are increasingly sidelined in favour of majoritarian symbolism.
Media reports said the move followed a memorandum submitted by Bajrang Dal members in Saharanpur, demanding that December 25 be observed as “Bal Gaurav” and “Good Governance Day” instead of Christmas. The memorandum, led by former Bajrang Dal state convenor Vikas Tyagi and former chief Kapil Mohada, even sought action against schools celebrating Christmas and urged the education department to issue orders barring such celebrations.
The Hindutva activists called on schools to “teach Indian values” by organising essay competitions, poetry recitations and programmes based on Vajpayee’s speeches. They also asserted that the birth anniversaries of Madan Mohan Malaviya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee should be celebrated on December 25 rather than that of Jesus Christ.
Christian organisations have strongly condemned the move. The All India Christian Council termed the decision a “deliberate targeting of the most sacred day in the Christian calendar.” Its Secretary General and noted human rights activist Dr John Dayal said the Uttar Pradesh government’s action forms part of a sustained campaign of marginalisation that has intensified under the current BJP regime.
Dr Dayal said the Christian community in India is facing an alarming hate campaign, warning that such state-backed discrimination emboldens extremists at the grassroots level. “Targeted hate creates an atmosphere where anyone influenced by it can attack minorities with impunity,” he said.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) also condemned the denial of the Christmas holiday and the surge in attacks on Christians during the festive season, stating that such actions gravely undermine India’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and the right to live and worship without fear.
