Breaking News: Heightened Tensions Shadow New Year’s Eve Celebrations in India Amid Fears of Disruptions

New Delhi, December 31, 2025 – As millions across India prepare to welcome the New Year, concerns are mounting over potential disruptions to public celebrations, particularly in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Reports from opposition leaders and minority advocacy groups highlight growing apprehension among Christian communities and others, following a spate of attacks and intimidation during Christmas festivities earlier this month.

Recent incidents during Christmas 2025 have fueled fears that similar moral policing or vigilantism could extend to New Year’s Eve events, often criticized by some Hindu nationalist groups as symbols of "Western culture." Congress leader KC Venugopal, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referenced "repeated instances of moral policing and violence during past New Year’s Eve celebrations," describing them as turning "moments of joy into nights of terror." He urged preventive measures to ensure public safety as the New Year approaches.

Christian minorities in several BJP-ruled states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam, have expressed heightened fear following documented attacks on Christmas events. Over 80 incidents of violence, vandalism, and harassment were reported during the Christmas period, according to monitoring groups like the United Christian Forum and International Christian Concern. These included assaults on carol singers, destruction of decorations, and disruptions at prayer gatherings, often involving affiliates of organizations like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Notable cases include:

• A BJP local leader in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, filmed harassing a visually impaired woman at a church event.
• Vandalism of Christmas decorations in malls and schools across multiple states.
• Harassment of street vendors selling Santa hats and other festive items.

Opposition parties, including Congress and Trinamool Congress, have accused the ruling BJP of fostering an "atmosphere of terror" through silence or inaction, while the BJP has distanced itself from individual incidents and emphasized law enforcement.

Official advisory from the central government has been issued urging civilians to stay home on New Year’s Eve. Authorities in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have deployed enhanced security, traffic restrictions, and extended public transport to facilitate safe celebrations. Police in various states have assured strict action against any disruptions.