A bishop has slammed a remark reportedly made by a pro-Hindu politician, asking people to “to weed out” Christianity from Indian society.

Catholics are upset by the comments of Prahlad Remani, said Bishop Peter Machado of Belgaum who is based in southern Indian Karnataka state.

The member of the Karnataka legislative house reportedly made the comments while addressing a local celebration marking India’s 64th Independence Day on Aug. 15.

Angry Christians demonstrated in front of the local government office on Aug. 16 protesting Remani’s comments. They demanded an unconditional apology from him.

Remani, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, reportedly said that when the British left India in 1947 they did two wrong things. They allowed the partition of India for the creation of Pakistan and left the “seeds of Christianity” in the country.

These seeds are “being spread systematically” through Christian institutions, he reportedly said. “If these seeds spread, then our nation will be under danger,” Remani was quoted as saying, and urged people “to weed out” Christianity from the region.

Bishop Machado said Remani’s remarks created “sectarian tension” in the area, which had been “comparatively peaceful” compared to other parts of the state. He said he has made a police complaint to put a stop to such remarks. “Christians are afraid” that now they will face tension, the bishop added.

Christian leaders say anti-Christian incidents in the state rose after the BJP government came to power in 2008. Some regions such as Mangalore and Bangalore witnessed a spate of violence in 2008.

The remarks are “a threat to social unity and integrity,” said Father Faustin Lobo, Karnataka Church spokesperson. He said the comments have “deeply hurt” Christians.

Remani has told media that he would continue his campaign against Christianity in the region.

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