Communist party's spoof on Last Supper sparks backlash

The Communist Party of India (Marxist)in Kerala has triggered a simmering row by placing posters and billboards of 'The Last Supper' with faces of political leaders.

The controversial portrait depicts Jesus Christ as Obama and leaders of the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP as his disciples. The figures shown include Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, French President Nicolas Sarkozy among others.

The posters, appearing with a tagline, 'This is the Last Supper of Capitalism... Marxism is the only Hope', were displayed across Trivandrum in view of the CPM state conference.

The Church and several civil society organisations have strongly condemned the spoof on The Last Supper.

The Kerala Catholic Bishop Conference spokesman Stephen Alathara told media that it was sad that the party was distorting religious symbols that believers consider sacred.

"The CPI-M has hurt the sentiments of believers," he told reporters.

Christians took out rallies in different parts of the state to mark their protest against the morphed poster. The Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) has threatened to launch a state-wide campaign against the party.

The latest row follows another painting of Christ that was placed along with Communist icons including Che Guevera at an exhibition titled "Marx is Correct".

Christians form 23 percent of the Kerala's 33 million people.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the morphed poster was highly deplorable and aimed at hurting religious sentiments.

"The religious sentiments should always be respected and never should any revered figures be used for political gains," he was quoted saying.

Adding to it, Finance Minister KM Mani said attempts were being made to liken the teachings of Christianity with the Communist ideology.

The CPI-M party has meanwhile distanced itself from the posters.

CPI-M state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan said the party had no role in preparing the posters.

Vijayan said his party had no intention to insult Jesus Christ or the faithful

The party removed the boards following widespread protests from Christians.