Kerala FCRA row: Church mouthpiece refuses to budge, slams opportunists; BJP backs Shone George

Thiruvananthapuram: The official mouthpiece of Catholic Church in Kerala has triggered a political row with a strongly worded editorial criticising “political opportunists” amid the controversy over proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

The BJP disapproved of the editorial, while the Congress condemned remarks made by saffron party leaders targeting the publication and certain bishops.

Editorial sparks political backlash

In its editorial, Deepika Daily asserted that its stand would remain unchanged despite alleged threats and attempts to silence minority voices. The piece appeared a day after BJP leader P C George and his son Shone George criticised certain bishops over their reported stance during the April 9 Assembly polls. Both had contested as BJP-NDA candidates in Poonjar and Pala constituencies respectively.

Referring to laws framed in the name of the larger public but allegedly affecting minorities disproportionately, the daily cautioned against curbing debate on the FCRA.

“Even if political opportunists come forward with threats asking not to speak about the FCRA, our stand will remain the same,” the editorial said, adding that political “defilers” should not be allowed to hijack the issue. The editorial did not name anyone.

Responding, Shone George said the newspaper’s views cannot be treated as the official stand of the Church. “Church is an institution comprising individuals, including me. Journalism is not about taking sides with any political party or front,” he said, alleging that the daily had favoured the Congress-led UDF ahead of the elections. He added he would file an official complaint.

P C George said he respects the clergy but would respond if bishops “show ingratitude and engage in politics”, reiterating his earlier allegation that some bishops supported the UDF.

BJP backs Shone, Congress hits out

BJP state general secretary S Suresh defended Shone George, stating his criticism was directed at the alleged “misuse” of a media house for political interests.

“Such questioning or criticism should not be misinterpreted. Shone George's remarks were against a media house which the Congress has projected as the mouthpiece of a particular section of a religion,” he said.

“Shone only spoke out against the misuse of the media house, known to be associated with a particular religion, for political gains,” Suresh added. On P C George’s remarks about bishops, he said these were likely influenced by the “peculiar regional situation” in Poonjar.

Suresh maintained that the BJP “respects and protects all religions and beliefs” and stands for “Equal justice to all, appeasement towards none”. He claimed there was religious discrimination in Kerala and that the BJP had “stood up for secularism”.

Congress response, FCRA context

Congress leader V D Satheesan termed the remarks of the father-son duo against the Catholic Church and Deepika as condemnable, alleging they had the backing of BJP leadership. He accused the party of “resorting to threats” after realising it may not receive expected electoral support, and said any attempt to target the Christian community would be resisted.

Amid the controversy, P C George visited the Bishop House in Pala and met Mar Joseph Pallikaparambil on his 100th birthday, stating he had not gone to discuss politics and had no issues with the Church.

Churches in Kerala have expressed concern over the proposed FCRA amendments introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25. The Centre has said the changes aim to enhance transparency, ensure proper utilisation of foreign funds, and prevent misuse. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the legislation seeks to strengthen accountability in the use of foreign contributions.

Shone George has also alleged that the newspaper favoured the UDF in the run-up to the polls and said the Church had no moral obligation to safeguard the interests of the daily’s investors. P C George further alleged that some bishops supported the UDF, including a claim that a bishop of the Kanjirapally diocese directed nuns to vote for the front.