Kerala Bishop Criticizes PM Modi’s Christmas Engagement

A senior priest from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Kerala has stirred controversy with his remarks aimed at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This criticism, expressed through a social media post on the eve of Christmas, has caught significant attention.

Accusations of Political ‘Drama’

The bishop criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the Christmas celebrations organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in New Delhi, labeling it as a ‘drama’. This comment comes amidst claims of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists being involved in destroying Christmas cribs in Palakkad.

“There, bishops are revered and cribs are bowed to. Here, cribs are destroyed. Isn’t there a phrase in Malayalam for such an action?” – Yuhanon Meletius, Metropolitan bishop of the Thrissur diocese

Allegations of Vandalism in Palakkad

The events central to the bishop’s criticism include two separate incidents reported in the Palakkad district of Kerala. One involved suspected VHP supporters allegedly attempting to disrupt Christmas festivities at a local government school on December 20. In another incident on December 23, a Christmas crib was found vandalized.

Following protests, several individuals associated with these actions, including VHP Palakkad district secretary K Anil Kumar, joint secretary V Sushasanan, and panchayat president K Velayudhan, were arrested and taken into custody.

BJP’s Defensive Stance

BJP state president K Surendran responded to the allegations by denying any involvement of VHP or Sangh Parivar workers in the incidents. Surendran has called for a thorough investigation, suggesting the potential of a conspiracy and hinting that former BJP members might be involved.

Amidst these developments, the BJP has been conducting outreach programs with a focus on engaging the Christian community in Kerala.

These unfolding events underscore the complexities and tensions at the intersection of religion, politics, and community relations in India, particularly during significant cultural celebrations such as Christmas.