Alphons Kannanthanam: Modi Is Doing What Good Christian Is Supposed To Do

Alphons_Kannanthanam Wikipedia

Newly appointed Christian Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam on Sept. 10 reiterated his commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that PM is doing what a good Christian is supposed to do.

"People ask why I, a Christian, joined BJP. My answer to them is that Modi is doing what a good Christian is supposed to do. I would do whatever possible to realise the PM's dream of creating a new India where all Indians can live with dignity," said Kannanthanam while addressing a public reception at Muvattupuzha near Kochi.

"The BJP is ruling the country for corers of poor people. Everyone in Kerala also should cooperate to make that change reflected in the state," he added, according to the Indian Express.

Following his appointment on Sept. 6, Christian leaders in Kerala responded optimistically.

"We welcome the appointment of Kannanthanam, a Catholic, into the government," said Fr Varghese Vallikkat, deputy secretary general, Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC).

"So far, we had no representation in the Modi government," he added.

However, others considered Kannanthanam, the Minister of State for Tourism, was to bait Christian votes in Kerala and help BJP penetrate. When he arrived at Kochi airport on his first visit to his home state after being inducted as a minister, he said the state party leadership has no opposition over his new position.