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The war of words between the CPI(M) and the Syro-Malabar Church escalated, with both sides trading sharp remarks over the arrest and subsequent bail of two Kerala nuns in Chhattisgarh, and allegations of political opportunism.
On Monday, August 11, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan lashed out at Archbishop Joseph Pamplany accusing him of shifting his stance for political convenience.
Govindan claimed that Archbishop Pamplany had criticised the BJP during the nuns’ arrest but later praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah after their release on bail — a change the CPI(M) leader described as “opportunistic.”
“Joseph Pamplany was shocked when the nuns were arrested. There is no one who has made such strong opportunistic statements. When the nuns got bail, they praised Amit Shah. Priests went with cake to the RSS office. On their way out, it was also heard that in Odisha, not just nuns but priests too were assaulted,” Govindan said.
The comments drew sharp criticism from the Church. The following day, Father Kaviyil Philip, global director of the Catholic Congress and a member of the Thalassery Archdiocese Pastoral Council, hit back strongly. “Govindan Master should speak at the level of Govindaswamy.” Govindaswamy is a rape and murder convict.
“He spoke without thinking twice,” Fr Philip said, adding that as a party secretary, he should have thought before speaking.
Fr Philip clarified that the Archbishop thanked everyone who helped in bringing out the nuns. “He has consistently criticised fundamentalist Hindutva groups, including Bajrang Dal. What is wrong in thanking everyone who supported us? He thanked members of all parties who extended help,” he said.
The Thalassery Archdiocese had earlier condemned Govindan’s remarks, likening them to the rhetoric of “fascist forces” and questioning whether bishops were expected to act “only after receiving directives from the AKG Centre.” AKG Centre is the headquarters of the CPI (M) party.