BJP's Christian outreach spurs controversy, Congress equates the effort to 'kiss of Judas'
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala has revived its 'Sneha Yatra,' aiming to connect with the Christian community in the state, ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections.
This initiative, first launched during Easter this year, has been reintroduced as Christmas approaches, signalling the party's outreach effort.
State BJP chief K Surendran commenced the 'Sneha Yatra' by extending Christmas greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Cardinal George Alencherry, the former head of the Syro Malabar Church, and Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparbil of the Latin Archdiocese of Verapoly.
Surendran's visits, described as warm and cordial, were marked by conveying the Prime Minister's well-wishes, documented in photographs shared on social media. The BJP, however, refrained from divulging specifics discussed during these meetings, emphasising that the objective was to extend greetings.
Conversely, the Congress in Kerala criticised the BJP's initiative, likening the 'Sneha Yatra' to the biblical 'Kiss of Judas,' a reference to betrayal. KPCC chief K Sudhakaran accused the Sangh Parivar, an umbrella term for Hindu nationalist organisations, of betraying minorities and labelled the BJP's outreach as a deceitful act.
The BJP denied any discord between the Church and the party, dismissing reports of strained relations after the Manipur violence issue. According to BJP sources, the 'Sneha Yatra' aims to foster a closer association between the Christian community and the saffron party. This outreach, scheduled until December 30, involves party members visiting Christian households with messages from the Prime Minister.
The Congress, while criticising the BJP's overtures, also highlighted alleged acts of violence against minorities across the country, mentioning the situation in Manipur. Sudhakaran accused the BJP of maintaining silence on the Manipur issue and condemned the violence allegedly occurring under BJP governance.
The BJP, simultaneously gearing up for the Lok Sabha elections, is undertaking 'padayatras' (foot marches) across the state. This move to engage with Christian communities signifies the party's attempt to establish stronger connections in the region, a critical aspect in the lead-up to the impending elections.
