KOTTAYAM: As the Church has openly expressed its displeasure in the way chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan as well as Congress leaders V D Satheesan and P T Thomas had reacted to the statements of Pala bishop Joseph Kallarangatt on the ‘narcotic jihad’ remark, BJP has sent a team to the Bishop’s House in Pala to extend the party’s moral support to the bishop on the issue. BJP’s national executive member P K Krishnadas and state vice-president A N Radhakrishnan held talks with the bishop on Monday.
After meeting the bishop, Krishnadas told reporters that this was not an issue between two religions but something very serious which will affect the whole country.
He also said that it is the agenda of terrorist organizations to make it appear this as an issue between two religions. The approaches of the chief minister and the opposition leader are helping implement that agenda. Both Congress and CPM are supportive of such terrorist stands, which is very dangerous, he said.
He said that the ruling front and the opposition remaining close to terrorists will create a serious setback.
Church’s concerns must be discussed, says Surendran
Meanwhile, BJP state president K Suendran endorsed the ‘narcotic jihad’ allegation raised by the bishop and said that the society should discuss the concerns of the church. Surendran told reporters on Monday that it was not possible to remain a spectator while the bishop is being attacked from all sides.
“Society should discuss what the bishop has said. Also, the learned men in the Muslim community should come forward to support the bishop and hold open discussions,” Surendran said. He also said that goonda gangs from Erattupetta will not be allowed to attack the bishop.
Surendran also attacked both chief minister and opposition leader saying that both went against the bishop fearing some persons. “They should facilitate talks and hold an investigation into the concerns raised by the bishop,” he said. Surendran said that the bishop’s protection should be ensured.
