KOTTAYAM: In an unexpected move, state leadership of the Congress party on Thursday stepped in to play a mediatory role to resolve the controversy raging around the “Narcotic Jihad” remarks made by Pala bishop Joseph Kallarangatt. Though Congress leaders made the first move by holding talks with various religious heads, later in the day, Jose K Mani arrived at the bishop’s house in Pala and extended his support to him, the first LDF leader to do so.
KPCC president K Sudhakaran and opposition leader V D Satheesan began the hectic day visiting the archbishop of Changanassery diocese of the Syro-Malabar church Joseph Perumthottam. Perumthottam had backed bishop Kallarangatt in an article and wanted the political parties to address the issues raised by him.
After holding talks with Perumthottam Satheesan met the bishop of Madhya Kerala diocese of the Church of South India (CSI) Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian who had held a joint press conference with Kerala Muslim Youth Federation president and Imam of Thazhathangady Juma Masjid Shamsuddin Mannani Ilavupalam on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Sudhakaran before travelling to Pala to meet bishop Kallarangatt, visited Shamsuddin Mannani Ilavupalam. Both Satheesan and Sudhakaran hinted that they will be holding talks with more Muslim religious leaders in the coming days. Efforts are being made from their side to bring both the sides together for talks.
After meeting bishop Kallarangatt, Sudhakaran said that Congress is committed to maintain communal harmony in the country. He also said that talks are being held with the concerned persons to put a lid on the controversy. He hit out at the state government for not acting to resolve the issue and alleged that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan ignored the demand from several quarters to settle the dispute.
Earlier in the day, after meeting the CSI bishop, Satheesan praised the efforts made by him and the Imam for making an unanimous call for peace and added that if the government comes forward to resolve the issue Congress will welcome it.
Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K Mani who met Pala bishop later in the day extended his support in the “fight against social evils”. Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi who was the first to arrive at the bishop’s house at 9am told reporters after the meeting that the bishop never made any communal remarks and that he did not attack any religion. He said that bishop Kallarangatt had only criticised the activities of some individuals. He also said that he came to meet the bishop as an MP and not as a politician.
