Christian organisation seeks ban on publication of book on Jesus Christ

A Christian organisation has sought ban on publication of a controversial book penned by brother of Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, claiming Jesus Christ was a Tamil Hindu. The book Christ Parichay is being re-launched 70 years after it was first published.

The United Christians Council, an NGO, on Wednesday asked Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure the publication doesn't take place. "The contents of the book are defamatory and will evoke strong emotions in the community," it said in a letter.

"There will be a law and order situation in case the publication takes place," it said. The book, penned by Ganesh Savarkar, elder brother of V D Savarkar, is scheduled to be re-launched here on February 26, the death anniversary of the Hindutva icon, President, Swatantryaveer Savarkar National Memorial, Ranjit Savarkar said.

The book, first published in 1946, also claims that Christianity was initially a Hindu cult and that Jesus died and attained 'Samadhi' in Kashmir. Asked about the claims in the book, senior priest and director of the Bombay Archdiocesan Heritage Museum, Father Warner D'Souza, said such books will not shake the faith of Christians.