Outcry as Indian lawmaker calls for Christians to be attacked for money. Duncan Williams
Silent protest in Sakri, Dhule, Maharashtra state, India on July 23, 2025 against Gopichand Padalkar's remarks. (Photo: Morning Star News)A senior politician in India has provoked outrage after reportedly publicly offering a cash reward for violent attacks on Christian missionaries and leaders.
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Bombay High Court, seeking action against Gopichand Padalkar, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Maharashtra and a representative of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He is alleged to have made the inflammatory comments during a torch march in Sangli’s Kupwad area on 17 June.
He allegedly told supporters, “We should keep prizes for those who bash up missionaries coming to convert people. Rs 5 lakh should be declared for the first person thrashing such a missionary, the second one to be given Rs 4 lakh, while the third one to be given Rs 3 lakh as prizes.”
He allegedly offered a further reward of Rs 11 lakh (£9,800) for attacking Christian le
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