Amid strong remarks from Pala Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt that the Church would not remain silent when its leadership and clergy are subjected to public insults, BJP Kerala Vice President Shone George on Monday reiterated his defence of the BJP-led alliance, highlighting his family’s longstanding support for the Church.
Speaking to the media in Kochi, Shone George said his father, PC George, was the only political leader who stood by the Bishop during the 2021 “Love Jihad” and “Narcotic Jihad” controversies.
Advertisement
He reminded the Christian community that while the LDF government had filed criminal cases against the Bishop, and the UDF, particularly Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, had allegedly criticised him, it was the BJP and the RSS that extended support and protection.
Advertisement
“When the Pala Bishop faced protests and was targeted for his statements on ‘love jihad’ and ‘narcotic jihad’, the LDF government, along with the Kerala Congress (Mani) group, registered multiple cases against him. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan demanded action against the Bishop. At that time, it was the BJP, RSS and P.C. George who supported him,” Shone George said.
He also criticised MPs from both the UDF and LDF for allegedly ignoring the Catholic Church’s request to support amendments to the Waqf Bill, which, he said, were aimed at protecting lands owned by Christian families.
Addressing concerns within the Christian community regarding the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), Shone George clarified that the stringent provisions were introduced and strengthened during the tenure of the UPA government.
He added that he respects the Bishop “more than his own father,” but believes that being open about political preferences enables a healthier debate on which political front truly serves the interests of the faithful.
Later, after meeting Mar Raphael Thattil at the Syro-Malabar Church headquarters in Kochi, Shone George said he has always maintained close ties with the Church and has never criticised it.
He clarified that there are no misunderstandings with the Church leadership and that he has conveyed the concerns he faces as a Christian believer, while continuing to stand firm on his party’s position.
Advertisement
