New Delhi (AsiaNews) - Extreme nationalism is one of the greatest challenges that India faces today, in addition to terrorism and separatist riots, said the Congress Party, currently in power. The message to the nation that the battle against localism of all kinds, as well as against any kind of fanaticism must continue, was delivered by Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi All India Congress Committee in New Delhi.

Nationalism is continually eroding the composite culture of India, it was said during the Committee's work, there is the need to denounce the policy of 'Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), ie, the Hindu nationalist politics, said Federal Minister Pranab Mukherjee,. There are hundreds of incidents on a local and national level, caused by Hindu nationalists, especially in the states of Orissa, Gujarat and Karnataka. Religious minorities such as Christians and Muslims have lived under sporadic attacks over the past fifteen years.

Orissa was the scene of violence in recent years. It is believed that more than 100 people died and tens of thousands forced to flee their homes in violence against Christians since 2007. India is a majority Hindu nation and fanatical Hindu groups have expressed their anger over the spread of Christianity, especially in poorer rural areas of the country.

The Jesuit priest Cedric Prakash, a prominent activist for human rights at the head of Prashant, a research and social action organization in Ahmedabad, told AsiaNews: "The central and state governments should uphold the spirit of the Indian Constitution and promote religious tolerance. For this we need a stronger political will rather than mere words. "

Father Prakash is also the spokesperson of the Christian community of Gujarat and the secretary of the Council of Bishops of the western regions. He pointed out that there are specific interests of political parties like the Hindu nationalist party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, at the root of much violence in the country, and many incidents and violations of human rights. Often the poorest are the victims of politicians selfishness and of religious fanaticism.