Congress Leaders Condemn Alleged BJP-Backed Intimidation of Catholic Church in Kerala
In a sharp political escalation, senior Congress leaders have vehemently criticized former NDA candidates P C George and his son Shone George for making derogatory statements against clergymen of the Catholic Church and its publication Deepika. The controversy erupted following the recent assembly elections, with opposition leader V D Satheesan leading the charge against what he describes as a coordinated intimidation campaign supported by the BJP leadership.
Satheesan Accuses BJP of Backing Defamatory Remarks
V D Satheesan, the opposition leader, asserted that P C George and Shone George, who contested from Poonjar and Pala constituencies respectively under the NDA banner, are attempting to threaten the Church with explicit backing from the BJP. "The defamatory statements by P C George and his son against the Catholic Church and Deepika are deplorable. Such actions have the backing of BJP leadership," Satheesan stated. He further alleged that the BJP, realizing potential electoral setbacks, has resorted to intimidation tactics against the Christian community.
Satheesan emphasized that secular Kerala will resist any attacks on minorities, with the UDF at the forefront of counteractions. He demanded clarifications from both central and state BJP leaderships regarding their stance on the remarks. "Sangh Parivar organisations are wolves in sheep's clothing. Their agenda of intimidation and defamation will not succeed in Kerala," he declared, highlighting the state's resilience against divisive politics.
Chennithala Denounces BJP's Intimidation Tactics
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala echoed these concerns, alleging on Saturday that the BJP is trying to intimidate bishops and Church leaders to garner support. "The politics of intimidation won't work in Kerala. No party has adopted that stand in the state," Chennithala remarked. He referenced atrocities against Christians in North India and urged the BJP to reject such statements if made without its knowledge.
Chennithala defended the Church's right to express political views, stating that criticism over their reported stance in the polls is unwarranted. He warned that such tactics are futile in Kerala's pluralistic society.
Hibi Eden Accuses Duo of Executing BJP's "Quotation"
KPCC vice-president Hibi Eden launched a strong rebuttal, accusing P C George and Shone George of executing a "quotation" for the BJP aimed at inciting communal conflict between Christians and Muslims. "We are curious to know if the national and state leaderships of the BJP share the same derogatory stance that these two have adopted toward the clergy," Eden told reporters.
Eden dismissed notions that minorities need BJP protection in Kerala, asserting that Congress has historically safeguarded minority rights. He cited protests against the FCRA Amendment Bill as evidence and demanded its immediate withdrawal, labeling it a tool for "minority hunting" by the central government.
Specifically targeting Shone George, Eden alleged deception of the Christian community for personal political gain, accusing him of facilitating meetings between religious leaders and top BJP officials like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah only to exploit those connections later.
Political Context and Electoral Battles
The confrontation underscores the intensifying battle for the Christian vote bank in central Kerala. P C George and Shone George, who merged their Janapaksham (Secular) party with the BJP, have positioned themselves as defenders of Christian interests. However, Congress leaders allege their actions are part of a broader strategy to bully minorities using national power, especially in a state where the BJP has failed to secure a single seat.
As the political discourse heats up, the secular fabric of Kerala remains a focal point, with leaders vowing to resist any attempts to undermine minority rights and communal harmony.
