Thrissur: In a major setback to the BJP ahead of the crucial polls next year, the Thrissur Archdiocese in Kerala, with nearly half a million Syro-Malabar Catholic members, openly criticized actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi and the saffron party in relation to the Manipur riots. 

An article published in the archdiocese's mouthpiece 'Catholicasabha' criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government for their inability to handle the riots in Manipur.  

"Those who respect democratic values will never forget Manipur. The people should be wary of attempts to conceal the truth to secure votes," says the article. 

Earlier, during a march in relation to Karuvannur Bank Fraud, Suresh Gopi remarked that "there are men out there in Manipur and UP to handle the issues."