BJP Leader PC George Condemns Bishop's Alleged UDF Vote Canvassing
In a fiery statement on Friday, BJP leader PC George launched a scathing attack against Kanjirappally bishop for reportedly canvassing votes for the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate. George, known for his outspoken nature, took a tough stance against a section of church leadership while strongly defending the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) amendment bill, asserting it would ultimately be passed by Parliament.
"What Right Has He Got? Is the Church UDF?"
PC George directly questioned the bishop's actions: "Kanjirappally bishop rang up convents and asked them to vote for UDF. What right has he got for that? Is the church UDF?" The BJP leader's outburst followed similar criticisms from his son, Shone George, who had earlier targeted the Catholic Church's official mouthpiece. Both father and son were BJP candidates in recent assembly elections, adding political weight to their statements.
George defended the FCRA amendment bill, asking pointedly: "What is wrong in giving details of the money coming from abroad?" He revealed that Union ministers Amit Shah and Kiren Rijiju, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had assured church representatives they would face no difficulties with the proposed legislation. "Why are they barking despite this?" George retorted, suggesting the opposition was politically motivated for UDF's benefit.
Church Leaders Should Be Considered Politicians
The BJP leader made a significant declaration, stating that bishops who engage in political activities should be regarded as politicians. He argued that the church's concerns about the FCRA bill indicated wrongdoing: "Why can't they be accountable?" George suggested that resistance to transparency measures raised questions about financial practices.
Shone George Attacks Church Mouthpiece
Meanwhile, Shone George separately criticized the Catholic Church's official newspaper, alleging it indirectly urged voters not to support BJP on polling day. "Though it is a Church mouthpiece, the interests of some individuals and political fronts are conveyed through the paper," Shone stated. He issued a warning: "If this is the Church's stand too, then we will have to change our stand."
The younger George credited pressure from the church for the FCRA bill being temporarily set aside, but warned: "It is for the Church to decide. If we are not needed, we will also have to decide the Church is not needed." He expressed concern about how to respond if Amit Shah confronted him with the newspaper's front page, and announced plans to meet church leadership to share his concerns directly.
Political Reactions and Counter-Criticism
Kerala Congress (Mani) chairman Jose K Mani dismissed Shone George's statements as intimidation tactics against the church. "Similar moves happened in Poonjar earlier," Mani recalled, questioning the BJP's motives: "If they had such love, why did they bring the FCRA bill? Why was it presented in Parliament?"
KC(M) general secretary Stephen George expressed deep concern about the BJP candidates' remarks against both the bishop and the Catholic Church newspaper. "There is a deliberate attempt to intimidate and restrain," he asserted. Stephen George defended the church's social engagement: "The Christian Church and its leaders frequently engage in social issues. Their comments and interventions on various matters, such as the problems faced by farmers, wildlife attacks, land issues and Munambam issue, were not solely for Christians. These interventions and remarks were made taking into account the pain of the entire community."
The escalating tension between BJP figures and church leadership highlights growing political-religious friction in Kerala, with the FCRA amendment bill serving as a central point of contention. Both PC George and his son have positioned themselves as defenders of transparency while accusing church leadership of inappropriate political interference, setting the stage for continued debate about the appropriate role of religious institutions in electoral politics.
