Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), a leading body representing senior Catholic clergy in the state, has sent a clear message that any future engagement with the BJP would depend on how the party handles the case of two Kerala-based nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh on charges of religious conversion and human trafficking.

Speaking at a press meet the other day, KCBC president Cardinal Baselios Cleemis hinted that the Church’s political decisions could be influenced by the ongoing developments in the case. The two nuns, who remain behind bars after being denied bail, were arrested following complaints from Bajrang Dal activists. Meanwhile, it was learned that the nuns will be moving the high court with a fresh bail plea as their eariler bail petition was not considered by the sessions court.

"If no justice is done, then what friendship can there be? How can we speak of perfect brotherhood?" the Cardinal asked, openly voicing his dissatisfaction over the denial of bail.

Cleemis underscored that the outcome of the case would be a "criterion" for the Church when deciding on political alignments. “The nuns are yet to get bail. This will be a criterion. Naturally, we will observe developments and decide accordingly,” he said.
The Cardinal also questioned the authenticity of the BJP’s efforts to connect with the Christian community, stating, "Everyone should act on what they preach and show sincerity. This is what we expect."

Though he did not explicitly name the BJP, his remarks come amid the party’s increased efforts to build ties with Christian groups ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.
When asked about BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar's comments defending the nuns, Cleemis noted that the leader had already acknowledged that the allegations were groundless. “There is no need for further explanation,” he said.

Cleemis also appealed to political leaders across party lines to speak up for the nuns and support their constitutional rights. He expressed gratitude to Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty for visiting him and offering the state government’s support.

Speaking to the media after his meeting with the Cardinal, Sivankutty criticised the BJP’s minority outreach efforts, calling them “hypocritical”. He further condemned the silence of Union Ministers from Kerala, describing it as “dangerous and disappointing”.

"If they're targeting nuns today, priests could be next," Sivankutty warned, accusing BJP leaders of "wearing a mask”.

Later in the day, hundreds of Christian priests and nuns from various denominations marched to the Raj Bhavan in silent protest. Many covered their mouths with black cloth to show solidarity with the imprisoned nuns.

Addressing the gathering, Cardinal Cleemis reiterated that the Christian community expects genuine action from BJP leaders. Referring again to Chandrasekhar’s public defence of the nuns, he said, “So, why do they not believe them? The nuns should be released immediately. Action should be initiated against those who are responsible for all these issues. Such incidents should not be repeated.”

He added that authorities should act decisively: “No one should think that the Christian community in Bharat will end the missionary activities with this. It will continue.”

Meanwhile, former BJP state president K Surendran suggested that Cardinal Cleemis's remarks may not reflect his long-term stance. “Cardinal Cleemis has expressed his opinion. I don't think that it will be his permanent stand,” he told reporters.

Surendran argued that the context in Chhattisgarh is different and accused opposition parties in Kerala of politicising the matter for electoral gain. He said Congress and CPM were creating unrest over the incident due to the upcoming Assembly and local body elections.

The detention of the two Kerala nuns in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh has sparked a political controversy, drawing sharp criticism from both the Congress and CPM. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has accused opposition parties of turning the issue into a political tool.

PTI