Political leaders in Kerala, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, have voiced strong criticism. The RSS article, which raised questions about land holdings of the Catholic Church, has triggered a sharp political response, with accusations of religious discrimination and attempts to undermine the rights of Christian institutions.
The article, which was published in a publication associated with the RSS, claims that the Catholic Church owns vast tracts of land in Kerala, and it criticizes the Church’s growing influence over land resources in the state. This rhetoric has been perceived by many as an unwarranted attack on the religious community and its institutions, sparking outrage among politicians and religious leaders alike.
Rahul Gandhi’s Response
Rahul Gandhi, who has been an active voice for secularism and inclusivity in Indian politics, was quick to react to the article. The Congress leader, who represents Wayanad in Kerala, strongly condemned the RSS’s stance, saying it was part of a larger pattern of divisive politics aimed at targeting religious minorities.
Gandhi pointed out that such rhetoric, which specifically targets religious institutions like the Catholic Church, could create unnecessary divisions in the multi-religious fabric of Kerala. “First, it was the Waqf properties that were targeted, and now it’s the Christians. These are deliberate attempts to destabilize the harmony that has long existed in Kerala,” Gandhi remarked during a press interaction.
He emphasized that religious institutions, including the Catholic Church, play a significant role in social welfare and contribute greatly to education, healthcare, and charitable work across the state. “The focus should be on the positive contributions of these institutions to society, rather than on creating baseless controversies that only serve to divide us,” he added.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s Criticism
Similarly, Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also criticized the RSS article, calling it an attack on religious freedom and the rights of Christian institutions. Vijayan, who has been known for his secular stance and commitment to safeguarding Kerala’s communal harmony, accused the RSS of fostering divisiveness through its constant campaigns against religious minorities.
“The Catholic Church, like other religious institutions in Kerala, has played a vital role in the development of the state. It is responsible for running numerous schools, hospitals, and orphanages. These contributions should be acknowledged, not questioned,” Vijayan remarked during a press conference. He also pointed out that the land holdings of religious institutions in Kerala are regulated by law, and there is no evidence to support the claims made in the RSS article.
The Kerala CM further stated that such attempts to paint the Catholic Church as a land grabber only serve to create friction between communities that have historically coexisted peacefully. “We must resist efforts to undermine the pluralistic nature of our society,” Vijayan added.
Allegations of Divisive Politics
The RSS article has been widely interpreted as part of a broader narrative promoted by right-wing Hindu nationalist groups that seek to challenge the power and influence of minority religious institutions. Critics argue that this rhetoric is a continuation of a trend where religious minorities—whether Muslims or Christians—are increasingly being targeted by groups aligned with the RSS and its affiliates.
The Waqf board controversy, which saw attempts to target the land holdings of Muslim religious institutions, is often cited as a precursor to the current issue surrounding the Catholic Church. In both cases, the RSS appears to be questioning the legitimacy of religious institutions owning land and assets, fueling narratives about the alleged encroachment of religious minorities into the social and political spheres of the majority community.
Political analysts have warned that such attacks could lead to further polarization and heighten tensions between different religious communities. The consequences, they argue, could be far-reaching, affecting not only Kerala but also the broader political landscape of India, where religious tensions are already a sensitive issue.
The Catholic Church’s Role in Kerala
The Catholic Church has a significant presence in Kerala, where a substantial portion of the population follows Christianity. Over the years, the Church has been at the forefront of various social welfare initiatives, including providing education, healthcare, and humanitarian services. Its schools and colleges have educated generations of students, and its hospitals have served as lifelines for countless people, irrespective of their religious backgrounds.
Given the Church’s long history and its deep roots in the state, many in Kerala believe that such an attack is not only unwarranted but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the secular fabric that defines the state. Religious institutions in Kerala, including Hindu, Muslim, and Christian organizations, have traditionally coexisted peacefully, with a shared commitment to social justice and equality.
The Political Landscape in Kerala
Kerala has long been a bastion of secular politics, with political parties from both the left and the right maintaining a delicate balance in terms of religious representation. The Congress party, to which Rahul Gandhi belongs, and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Pinarayi Vijayan, have consistently advocated for communal harmony and inclusive policies. This has resulted in the peaceful coexistence of various religious communities, despite their differences.
In contrast, the rise of right-wing politics in the state, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and RSS affiliates, has shifted the discourse toward more religiously charged rhetoric. Critics argue that such tactics, including the targeting of religious institutions, are meant to stoke division and fuel electoral agendas that capitalize on religious identity politics.
A Call for Unity
As the debate around the RSS’s article on Catholic Church land holdings intensifies, political leaders, religious organizations, and citizens alike are calling for restraint and unity. Rahul Gandhi and Pinarayi Vijayan’s responses underscore the importance of upholding Kerala’s secular ethos, which has been a cornerstone of the state’s social and political fabric.
The focus, they argue, should not be on divisive rhetoric that pits communities against each other, but on promoting a shared vision of progress, equality, and coexistence. By embracing the contributions of all religious institutions, regardless of their land holdings, Kerala can continue to be a model of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in India.