‘Hindus on paper but converted’: VHP sounds alarm on ‘crypto-Christians’.

VHP Raises Concerns Over ‘Crypto-Christians’ in India: People convert but keep Hindu documents for reservation.

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | Prayagraj | Oct 26, 2025::  The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has sounded the alarm on a growing concern in India, alleging that individuals are practicing Christianity in secret while officially remaining Hindus to avail reservation benefits. According to VHP General Secretary (Organisation) Milind Parande, these “crypto-Christians” are individuals who “are Christians in faith and worship, but remain Hindus on official documents.”

Church’s Role in Conversions

“Only the Church knows their true religious affiliation,” Parande said, highlighting the lack of transparency in conversions. He also added, “Churches have adopted a strategy of not changing the names of converts, so that conversions remain hidden. After conversion, they practice Christianity in faith and worship but remain officially recorded as Hindus to continue enjoying the benefits of reservation.”

Lack of Transparency

Speaking to reporters in Prayagraj, Parande claimed that neither the government nor society is aware of their conversion, and only the Church knows their true religious affiliation. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about the scale of conversions taking place in the country and the role of churches in facilitating them. This may trigger significant demographic shifts, according to Parande’s claims. He also demanded law enforcement against illegal and fraudulent conversion conspiracy.

The Issue of Reservation Benefits

Parande claims that the main reason for not updating records is to continue availing reservation benefits meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. “After conversion, such people do not change their names or official records because they wish to continue availing reservation benefits,” he said. This has led to a situation where some villages show no Christians on paper, yet host multiple churches.

Multiple Churches, No Christians?

The VHP has cited examples from voter lists where certain villages show no Christians, yet have multiple churches. Parande questions the purpose of these churches, saying, “If no Christians live in those villages, then for whom were these churches built? It clearly indicates they are meant for conversions.” This raises concerns about the scale of conversions taking place in the country and the role of churches in facilitating them.

Conspiracy to Weaken Hindus?

The VHP leader also alleged that there are several conspiracies, both domestic and foreign, aimed at weakening Hindus and India. One such conspiracy, he claimed, is to push the country’s youth toward drug addiction. India’s geographical position between the ‘Golden Crescent’ (Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) and the ‘Golden Triangle’ (Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar) makes it vulnerable to the drug trade.

VHP will run nationwide campaign against drug addiction in Nov, Dec, this year,

Implications and Concerns

The issue of “crypto-Christians” raises several questions about the nature of conversions in India and the role of religious organizations in facilitating them. It also highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between religion, politics, and society in India.

As the debate surrounding conversions continues, it remains to be seen how the government and society will respond to these concerns. One thing is certain, however: the issue of “crypto-Christians” is set to be a contentious topic in Indian politics and society for the foreseeable future.

..
_Inputs from PTI.