Matters India Reporter
Odisha, Dec 22, 2024: A controversy erupted in Odisha days before Christmas after a group of men allegedly harassed poor roadside vendors selling Santa hats, insisting that the state was a “Hindu rashtra” where “Christian items” should not be sold.
A video of the incident, now viral on social media, shows the men questioning vendors about their religion and origin. When the sellers explained they were Hindus selling Santa hats only to earn a livelihood, one of the men retorted: “This is Hindu rashtra. You can’t sell Christian items here. Being Hindus, how can you do this? Wrap up quickly and go away. If you have to sell anything, sell Lord Jagannath’s merchandise. Here, only Lord Jagannath can rule.”
Some vendors, who said they had come from Rajasthan, pleaded that they were poor and selling hats to support their families. Despite their appeals, they were ordered to stop selling and leave the area.
The video has triggered widespread condemnation online, with many linking the incident to rising religious intolerance. One user wrote: “This is BJP’s idea of New India.” Another commented: “When you expect foreigners to celebrate Hindu festivals, why can’t you allow your own people to celebrate theirs? That lady with the baby is not selling those things to show off her money, but to feed herself and her family.”
Others questioned why poor street vendors were targeted while malls and retail stores continue to sell Christmas paraphernalia. “If he is that sure of his position, he should go to shopping malls and try to stop them,” a user remarked.
At the time of reporting, state authorities had not issued any official response, even as the video continues to circulate, drawing sharp criticism over religious intolerance and the targeting of marginalised vendors during the festive season.
This story was originally published in mattersindia.com.