KOTTAYAM: A row triggered by BJP’s two prominent Christian leaders, P C George and his son Shone George, by attacking some bishops of the Catholic Church and its mouthpiece Deepika newspaper, appears to be escalating with the newspaper retorting that the Church won’t cow down to political intimidation from any leaders.
In an editorial published on Saturday, Deepika reaffirmed the Church’s strong opposition to the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill. Without naming George and Shone, the article also termed critics of the Church as the proponents of communalism and local rowdies.
Meanwhile, in a perceived attempt to reconcile with the Church, George and Shone visited Bishop Emeritus Mar Joseph Pallikkaparambil, who was celebrating his 100th birthday, at the Bishop’s house in Pala on Saturday. Shone told reporters that he had already reached out to some bishops to express his concerns about what he perceives as the “biased politics” of the Church-run newspaper. “I will also lodge petitions with other bishops soon.”
Shone, however, continued his attack on Deepika, accusing it of covertly working for the Congress while projecting itself as the Church’s official mouthpiece. He also alleged that a private investor wields decisive influence over the newspaper’s editorial line.
The controversy has reportedly caused some internal confusion within the BJP regarding potential political repercussions. This issue arises at a critical juncture, as the BJP is seeking to engage with the Christian community, particularly in central Travancore. Party insiders express concern that targeting influential figures like the Bishop of Kanjirappally could jeopardise the party’s efforts to build relationships, especially among Catholics who maintain strong ties with their spiritual leaders.
“There is a clear risk here. A substantial portion of Catholics still look to their clergy for guidance. Provoking them could undermine the party’s engagement strategy, which is a long-term initiative and not solely focused on elections,” a senior BJP leader said.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has chosen not to respond to the criticisms, even as the father-son duo remain defiant. Doubling down on his stance, P C George said on Saturday that he would continue to ‘call out’ any bishop who backs rival parties despite receiving support and benefits from him.
Meanwhile, the issue has spiralled into a wider political flashpoint. Kerala Congress factions have slammed the remarks, while the Congress has moved quickly to close ranks with the Church. “The people of Kerala can see through divisive politics. Intimidation and insults will not work here,” Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said.
Will resist any attempt to target Church: Satheesan
T’Puram: Alleging that derogatory remarks made by P C George and his son against the Catholic Church and the Malayalam daily Deepika were made with the backing of the BJP, Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan on Saturday said the UDF would firmly resist any attempt to attack the Christian community. In a statement, he warned that secular Kerala would strongly oppose any move to target the Christian community, adding that UDF would stand in the forefront to defend the Church and Deepika.