Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s outreach to Christians in Kerala has been lauded by one of the state’s most influential priests. Cardinal George Alencherry, Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, told reporters today that the people of Kerala “appreciate PM Modi” and are looking for development. He also said that he “shared our concerns about our mission work in North India being hindered by religious fundamentalists”.
The Prime Minister’s meeting with seven bishops from different Christian denominations had grabbed all eyes since yesterday – more than the foundation stone laying ceremony of major infrastructure projects and the flagging off of the Vande Bharat Express from Thiruvananthapuram.
Christians account for 18 percent of the population in Kerala, where the BJP has not made much progress electorally. But by actively reaching out to the Christian population and youth, the party hopes to change the picture in time for the 2024 national elections.
Cardinal Alencherry, who was among the bishops who met the Prime Minister last evening, told reporters today that the rights of “the oppressed Christians, the poor and the marginalised” were also discussed. We presented the problems of farmers, fishermen and people of coastal areas. ,” They said.
He said the prime minister listened carefully and promised protection for all believers. In this context, he also shared his government’s efforts for Christians and the poor, mentioning 10 percent reservation in jobs and education, which can benefit both the sections.
“People of Kerala are appreciating PM Modi. We are looking for further development,” he said.
In the last national executive of the party, PM Modi strongly advocated reaching out to the marginalized sections and minorities. On Easter day, he visited the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi and interacted with the community.
In Kerala, BJP leaders met religious leaders and leaders of the Christian community at their homes. On Vishu, the Malayalam New Year’s Day, he hosted a breakfast at his home for bishops and other Christian leaders.
The party had chalked out plans for outreach after its inroads into Goa and the North East was showing traction. The Prime Minister hinted at this in his address yesterday, saying that people in Kerala would choose the BJP just as the Northeast and Goa did, and suggested that the party was now being seen as an inclusive party that caters to all brings development to
The Christian community in Kerala is already reacting, with several prominent clergy issuing pro-BJP statements.
Earlier this month, a bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church said the persecution of the Christian community in India was “unnecessary propaganda” spread internationally by vested interests.
A Bishop of Thalassery has said that Kerala may vote for a BJP MP if the party supports rubber prices.