Kerala is heating up politically as parties exchange allegations regarding the cosying of the Christian community to the Hindu right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that has intensified its efforts to strengthen its ties with the Christian communities in the state.
The latest development comes as 47 Christian families, under the leadership of Fr. Shaiju Kurien, the secretary of the Nilackal Diocese of the Orthodox church, formally joined the BJP during a Christmas function held on December 30. The event was attended by Union Minister V. Muraleedharan, adding a touch of political significance to the occasion.
Fr. Kurien, expressing his reasons for aligning with the BJP, stated to the media, “BJP is the party that leads this country to a path of progress, and we too want to be a part of this growing movement. Much beyond the spiritual and political aspirations, our intention is to line up under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
This move has not only marked a symbolic shift but has also raised eyebrows, fuelling speculations about a section of the Orthodox Church inching closer to the BJP-led government at the Centre. The decision is likely to have electoral repercussions, particularly in the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha seat, where Orthodox Christians wield significant influence.
The Orthodox Church's engagement with the BJP has been a topic of discussion throughout the year, with Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Metropolitan of the Kunnamkulam diocese, openly stating earlier that the BJP was not an untouchable political pariah. However, this viewpoint triggered a cascade of reactions both within and outside the Orthodox church.
To add to the complexity, a few months ago, the Syro-Malabar church relieved one of its priests, Fr. Kuriakose Mattam, of pastoral duties after he joined the BJP. The bishop cited a failure to obtain requisite permission as the reason for the priest's removal. These incidents indicate a nuanced relationship between the church and political affiliations.
However, as the BJP celebrates its success in attracting Christian families, political tensions escalated in Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, addressing a gathering in Ernakulam, seized the opportunity to criticise the BJP's Christian outreach. Vijayan brought attention to the violence against the minority community in Manipur, alleging that a segment of people, specifically the Christian community, was being targeted.
Vijayan's remarks come in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with Christian leaders on Christmas and the subsequent delivery of his seasonal message to Christian homes by BJP workers in Kerala. The Chief Minister accused the governments at the Centre and the state of Manipur of maintaining silence on the violence in the state.
In a notable response, his cabinet colleague, Saji Cherian, a Christian face in the Kerala government, criticised bishops who attended the Prime Minister's Christmas function. Cherian mockingly alleged that the bishops enjoyed the “cakes and grape wine” but failed to address the issue of Manipur violence. He stated, "Did they urge the Indian Prime Minister to intervene in the matter?"
Cherian's comments, however, triggered a backlash from the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC), a body of bishops in the state. The KCBC spokesperson, Fr. Jacob Palackappilly, condemned Cherian's remarks, emphasising that individuals in high positions should refrain from using such language. He questioned the minister's motives for linking the Christian community's participation in the Prime Minister's event to a specific political affiliation.
Fr. Palackappilly clarified that the Christmas program was a reception organised by the Prime Minister to discuss the services provided by Christians in the country. He urged against adopting a negative stance on the matter and highlighted the participation of Christian priests, including bishops, as part of their commitment to the nation.
As the BJP prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kerala, the party's strategic move involves engaging the Christian community. The recent Christmas outreach, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is seen by some as a key moment for Anil Antony, BJP Spokesperson and son of A.K. Antony, the veteran Congress leader. Anil Antony had joined the BJP in April 2023, and the upcoming Parliamentary elections may be a make or break for him. If he can get the Christian leadership on his side, which would be quite a feat across the complex denominational divide in Kerala, he may be able to pull off for the BJP what it has never managed in Kerala: a win.
