A fresh row has erupted in Kerala after BJP leaders P. C. George and Shaun George-father and son, both contesting candidates-launched a sharp attack on the Catholic Church and its mouthpiece Deepika, warning that the FCRA Bill would be passed soon.
Shaun George, BJP state vice-president and NDA candidate in Pala, strongly criticised the Catholic Church and its mouthpiece Deepika, alleging that it urged people not to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party, and warning that if this reflects the Church's stand, his party may reconsider its relationship with it.
He also questioned what he should say if Amit Shah were to ask what he had gained from supporting the Church.
Shaun George made these remarks in an interview with a private television channel, alleging that Deepika was working in favour of Congress leader K. C. Venugopal and Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K. Mani, engaging in political activity during the election period. He asserted that its articles should not be viewed as the official position of the Church.
According to him, some individuals, under the label of Church authorities, are working in favour of the UDF and certain political interests, and the Church should take steps to control such actions.
"Church votes are not cast based on editorials in Deepika. Even yesterday, the paper said that people should not vote for the BJP. While calling itself the Church's mouthpiece, it is protecting the interests of certain individuals," he said.
"If this is indeed the Church's stand, then we too will have to change our position," he said, claiming that "Over the past two years, it was Shaun George, the BJP, and Amit Shah who stood with the Church during all its crises, while leaders of other parties were absent."
"What benefit has the Church gained from Congress or CPM?" he asked.
He also claimed that certain legislative decisions, including those related to FCRA, were influenced by their pressure. "If the Church decides it does not need us, naturally we too will have to reconsider our stance. If people within the Church try to target those like me who stand for it, what position should we take?" he said, asking, "When BJP leadership asks what we have gained in return for supporting the Church, what answer should I give? If Amit Shah asks me, showing yesterday's Deepika front page, what reply can I give?"
Following Shaun George's remarks, his father and NDA candidate from Poonjar, P. C. George, escalated the controversy by launching a direct attack on Mar Jose Pulickal, Bishop of the Kanjirappally diocese, alleging that some bishops had asked convents to vote for the Congress and warning of consequences if the Church engaged in "politics."
He also referred to the FCRA Bill, stating that it would be passed "soon."
P. C. George also delivered derogatory comments against Christian leaders who criticised the BJP.
The public remarks are seen as being triggered by concerns over a possible erosion of expected votes, especially as the Bharatiya Janata Party fielded Christian candidates in multiple constituencies in Kottayam district, including Pala, Poonjar, and Kanjirappally.
Candidates of both the LDF and UDF expressed confidence of victory in the Pala constituency, where Shaun George contested. UDF candidate Mani C. Kappan claimed he would win with a majority of 6,000 votes, while LDF leader Jose K. Mani said victory was certain and that the increased polling percentage favoured the LDF.
The statements drew sharp reactions, with the Catholic Congress under the Kanjirappally diocese condemning P. C. George's comments.
Its president, K. K. Baby Kandathil, termed the allegations "baseless" and warned of legal action if such remarks continued.
Non-BJP leaders also criticised the BJP, with Jose K. Mani accusing the party of attempting to "intimidate the Church using the FCRA issue," while Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan described Shaun George's remarks as part of a "calculated political strategy."
Dean Kuriakose, Congress MP from Idukki, said Deepika "does not need the BJP's generosity to fulfil its constitutional duties," and alleged that Shaun George's remarks carried "an implicit threat" that those who do not support the Bharatiya Janata Party would be "dealt with."
He further criticised claims that the Church had survived on BJP support as "authoritarian" and "fascist," adding that Opposition MPs had collectively blocked discussion on the FCRA Amendment Bill in Parliament and that there was "no basis" to claims that the Kerala BJP had influenced its withdrawal.
He also warned that "threats against institutions" for not taking a favourable electoral stand "will not be accepted" in Kerala.
On Saturday, speaking at a press conference in Pala, Shaun George said that "no one would face issues if FCRA norms are followed," adding that "he cannot reject the Church as it is his own as well."
The state BJP leadership distanced itself from the controversy, with party general secretary S. Suresh clarifying that P. C. George's statements do not reflect the party's official position and asserting that the BJP treats all communities equally.