A complaint has been lodged be legal activist with the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu and the Chief Election Commissioner, raising concerns over the alleged interference of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council in political discourse and influencing voters on religious grounds. The complaint highlights the actions of George Antonysamy, Archbishop of the Madras-Mylapore Archdiocese and President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council.
According to the complaint, Antonysamy penned a guest editorial in ‘The New Leader’ magazine during the ongoing General Elections, wherein he purportedly appealed to religious sentiments and engaged in fear-mongering to influence voters. The editorial, titled “General Election 2024: Statement from Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council,” allegedly made false allegations against the ruling political party at the centre, the Indian Parliament, and the judiciary.
Among the accusations cited in the complaint were claims that the government was imposing a single religion, language, and culture, branding Christians and Muslims as anti-nationals, and curtailing fundamental rights such as the right to worship. The complaint also highlighted assertions that the government was enacting communal laws, manipulating the media, neglecting southern states in tax distribution, and denying rights to Dalit Christians.
The complaint further criticized Antonysamy’s insinuation regarding the late Reverend Stan Swamy’s imprisonment, which the complaint asserts was a legitimate legal process following accusations related to the Bhima Koregaon violence and alleged ties to the Communist Party of India (Maoist).
Additionally, the complaint raised concerns over statements suggesting neglect of southern states in tax distribution and the portrayal of reservations for economically weaker sections as discriminatory against Dalit Christians.
The complaint contended that such actions by the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council and Antonysamy contravened their aims and objectives and amounted to misusing their positions. It called for a detailed inquiry by the Election Commission and urged stringent action against the implicated parties.
A look at instances of how padres openly polarise
Kerala
Prominent bishops voiced concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and “attacks” on Christians across the nation. Archbishop Thomas J. Netto of Thiruvananthapuram’s Latin Archdiocese highlighted a surge in attacks against Christians since 2014, urging the community to unite against these “dark forces” and resist “divisive legislation” like the CAA. He called for vigilance against “attempts” to sow communal divisions in India’s secular democracy. Netto also criticized growing wealth disparity, noting its adverse impact on the majority working class – very similar to what Congress scion Rahul Gandhi has been saying. Similarly, Mar Raphel Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church and Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Tharayil of Changanassery’s Syro-Malabar Church urged “caution against divisive forces” exploiting caste and religious identities.
Catholic Bishops
Earlier this year, Catholic bishops urged citizens to vote wisely for leaders committed to constitutional values and poverty alleviation. They expressed concern over “eroding secularism, rising violence against Christians, and potential Hindu nationalist agendas”.
Gujarat
Ahead of the 2017 Gujarat elections, Archbishop Thomas Macwan of Gandhinagar urged citizens to “thwart” nationalist forces threatening India’s secular and democratic values. His letter, dated November 21 that year, emphasized the importance of voting for candidates upholding constitutional principles and combating discrimination. While denying favouritism towards any party, the Archbishop stressed voting according to conscience. He cited historical instances where faith thwarted oppression, particularly through the Rosary.
Mumbai
Archbishop Anil Couto wrote a letter to Catholics urging prayers for the country before the 2019 general election. In the letter, he called for prayers to safeguard democracy.
Nagaland
In February 2023, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council urged voters to oppose “communal forces” in elections that year, expressing concern over Christian persecution. It was believed that with 89% of the state Christians and Baptists predominant, the Church’s stance carried weight.
Pastor openly asked for Bharat to be divided
E Santhosh Kumar, Deputy Director of Bible Open University International, sparked controversy in a viral video, advocating for India’s division, with Christians claiming one-half.
TN
In 2022, Catholic priest Eugene Thomaiyar of Tamil Nadu urged political unity against the BJP, labelling it the common enemy. He called for cooperation among parties, emphasizing the need to defeat the BJP in elections. His remarks echo sentiments shared by other religious leaders, including Pentecostal pastors, aligning with DMK.
Going through these instances, one wonders whether these Pastors and dioceses are spreading “God’s message” or just indulging in conversion and other activities and preventing Hindus from living harmoniously in this country. The power that the Church wields is pretty much visible as we see political party leaders visiting authorities of the Church in the country seeking votes from their community.
While there are very few instances of churches/dioceses speaking in support of the BJP – for example, in Kerala, where Love Jihad affected Christian girls as well, as a majority, Christian institutions and their “godmen” have been ably helping the local governments in many states across Bharat.
