KPCC Leader Hibi Eden Delivers Scathing Rebuttal Against PC George and Son in Kerala Political Clash
In a forceful and unequivocal response, KPCC vice-president Hibi Eden has issued a stern warning to political figures PC George and his son Shone George, asserting that they must abandon what he described as "intimidation and bargaining tactics" within the complex political landscape of Kerala. Eden emphasized that if the duo anticipates receiving favors from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), they should quietly accept them without resorting to threats against others.
Accusations of BJP 'Quotation' to Incite Religious Tensions
Eden leveled serious allegations against George and Shone, claiming they are carrying out a "quotation" for the BJP specifically designed to provoke discord and conflict between the Christian and Muslim communities in the state. He argued that their recent attacks on the Catholic Church and its bishops stem from a desperate fear of political failure rather than genuine concern.
"We are curious to know if the national and state leaderships of the BJP share the same derogatory stance that these two have adopted toward the clergy," Eden stated during a press briefing in Kochi. He reaffirmed the Congress party's historical commitment to safeguarding minority rights, highlighting their vigorous protests both inside and outside Parliament against the contentious FCRA Amendment Bill.
Rejection of BJP Protection Narrative for Minorities
Eden firmly dismissed the notion that minorities in Kerala require the protection of the BJP to ensure their survival and peaceful existence. "Christians do not require the generosity of Rajeev Chandrasekhar or the BJP to live peacefully in the state," he declared. He assured that the Congress party stands ready to provide necessary protection against any attempts to attack Christian institutions or media houses.
He criticized the BJP for leveraging its national power to intimidate minorities in a state where the party has consistently failed to secure a single legislative seat. "BJP is using its national power to bully minorities in a state where the party has failed to win a single seat," Eden remarked, underscoring the disparity between the party's national influence and its local electoral performance.
Specific Allegations Against Shone George
Eden directed particular criticism at Shone George, accusing him of systematically deceiving the Christian community to advance his personal political ambitions. According to Eden, Shone's primary function has been to arrange meetings between religious leaders and top BJP officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, only to later exploit these connections for his own benefit.
"Shone has been misleading the Church for a long time. Whether it is the Munambam issue or the FCRA bill, they have used the 'Thank You, Modi' slogan to appease the BJP while simultaneously betraying the interests of the Christian community," Eden alleged, pointing to a pattern of behavior that prioritizes political alignment over community welfare.
Call to Withdraw FCRA Amendment Bill
Eden demanded the immediate withdrawal of the FCRA Amendment Bill, which he characterized as a tool for "minority hunting" by the central government. He reiterated that any attempt to propagate a narrative suggesting Christians must exist at the mercy of the BJP is fundamentally delusional and will be robustly resisted by Kerala's strong secular fabric.
Roots of the Political Confrontation
The ongoing political confrontation originates from the intensifying competition for the Christian vote bank in central Kerala. PC George and Shone George, who merged their Janapaksham (Secular) party with the BJP, have positioned themselves as defenders of Christian interests against perceived encroachments. They have actively facilitated dialogues between the Church hierarchy and the BJP central leadership, a move that Congress leaders allege is part of a broader strategy to influence electoral dynamics.
This clash highlights the deep-seated political maneuvering and ideological battles shaping Kerala's electoral landscape, with minority rights and religious harmony at the forefront of the discourse.
