Syro-Malabar Church and BJP in Kerala Clash Over PM Modi’s Birthday Celebration.

Catholic Church opposes BJP plan to celebrate PM Modi’s birthday inside church while slams RSS-linked publication over conversion claims.

B Upendran | HENB | Kochi | Sept 18, 2025:: In a dramatic turn of events, the Catholic Church in Kerala has opposed the BJP’s plan to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday inside a church in Idukki. The Syro-Malabar Church parish under the Kothamangalam diocese denied hosting the event, despite the BJP’s claims that they had paid for a Holy Mass.

The Controversy

The BJP Minority Morcha had released a poster announcing a Holy Mass and cake-cutting ceremony at Muthalakkodom St. George Church to mark PM Modi’s birthday. However, the church authorities swiftly responded, denouncing the notice and condemning the poster featuring the church. Father Sebastian Arolichalil, the vicar of the church, stated that neither the church nor the diocese had anything to do with the event, accusing the BJP of using the church for political gains.

BJP’s Response

Despite the church’s denial, BJP leaders claimed that they had paid for a Holy Mass in the church. Seventy-five candles were lit near the church, and a cake was cut at Sanjo Bhavan, a priests’ retirement home near the church. A BJP leader downplayed the controversy, stating that the poster was circulated only to help workers find the church.

Church Slams RSS-Linked Publication

In a separate development, the Syro-Malabar Church has strongly responded to an article in the RSS-affiliated Malayalam publication Kesari, alleging secret religious conversions following the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh. The Church accused Kesari of spreading falsehoods and historical distortions to incite division and distrust between communities. In a scathing statement, the Church said, “Kesari continues its role of justifying and whitewashing the ideological positions of the RSS, regardless of the impact on communal harmony or truth.”

Church Thinks Secularism Under Siege

The Church also claimed that India’s secularism is under siege due to growing attacks on Christian gatherings, churches, and prayer meetings. Notably, the Church’s statement did not address allegations of false faith healing, conversion through various allurements, and mass conversion of poor tribal people in the name of Jesus. There are huge allegations that churches run conversion rackets in Kerala and many other states in India, including the North Eastern region. 

Meeting with PM Modi

Interestingly, Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church met PM Modi on February 9, 2024, for a courtesy visit in Delhi, where he gave his blessings. This meeting has sparked curiosity about the Church’s relationship with the current BJP led government in the Centre.

The incident highlights the complex dynamics between the Catholic Church and the BJP in Kerala, with both sides engaging in a war of words. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Church and the BJP will navigate their differences.

Even then, the RSS-BJP’s efforts to win the hearts of Muslims and Christians will remain unstoppable.
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_Agency Inputs.