The Election Commission of India (ECI) has swiftly responded to a complaint filed by the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) against the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council and Archbishop of Mylapore – Madras Archdiocese, George Antonysamy, for allegedly influencing voters on communal lines. In a directive issued to the Chennai District Election Officer, the ECI has been instructed to take action in the matter.
Taking to social media X, it has posted a message attaching the communication No.13404/Elections IX/2024-2 dated May 3, from the ECI in this regard.
https://x.com/lawinforce/status/1786673018846220371
LRPF, a Hyderabad-based legal rights organisation, raised concerns over a guest editorial titled “Elections 24, Modi’s Endgame Is A Cause For Concern For All,” published in “The New Leader,” a print magazine affiliated with the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore. The editorial, authored by George Antonysamy, was featured in the April 1-15, 2024 issue.
LRPF in its complaint, said the guest editorial written by George Antonysamy was published in “The New Leader,” the print magazine (1-15 April, 2024), is affiliated with the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore. This editorial commented on several sensitive political issues like North-South division, central government taxation, political rights of Christians and Muslims, Jesuits’ links with Maoists, parliamentary debates, judgements of the judiciary, reservations to SCs, polarisation of society, functioning of media and many more.
In a statement to the Organiser, an LRPF functionary asserted, “A careful analysis of the editorial statements reveals the sinister agenda of poisoning the minds of voters belonging to Christianity, other religious minorities, and the common citizens of the country.” The LRPF representative highlighted the editorial’s allegations, including accusations against democratic institutions and the media, suggesting a concerted effort to vilify the government and sway voter sentiment.
LRPF’s complaint contends that the editorial, titled “General Election 2024: Statement from Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council,” was a calculated attempt to influence voters based on religious affiliations. The forum accuses the Bishop’s Council of misusing its position within the Church to polarise voters and calls for stringent action against both the Council and the Archdiocese of Mylapore – Madras.
The editorial purportedly employed fear-mongering tactics and invoked religious sentiments to criticise India, its elected government, and its citizens. LRPF’s condemnation underscores concerns over attempts to undermine the integrity of the electoral process by exploiting religious divisions.
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The editorial, published in “The New Leader,” accuses the current Union Government of imposing a singular ideology of religion, language, and culture, while undermining the democratic fabric of the country.
Antonysamy goes on to assert that Christians and Muslims are being branded as anti-nationals, with their fundamental rights, including the right to worship and religious celebrations, allegedly under attack. He criticises the government for purportedly curbing freedom of religion through measures such as the Anti-Conversion Bill and attempting to impose a communal law under the guise of a common civil code.
Highlighting issues such as the case of Stan Swamy, the editorial accuses the media of being under government control and alleges the marginalisation of opposition members and southern states in tax distribution. Antonysamy claims that state rights are being eroded without adequate compensation during natural calamities and asserts that institutions like the Election Commission, investigative bodies, and courts are under government influence.
Concluding with a call to action, Antonysamy urges Christians to vote to protect religious faith and human rights, while advocating for the rejection of sectarian parties. He calls upon voters to align with non-religious, democratic, marginalised, backward, downtrodden, tribal, and worker-oriented forces. The editorial ends with a pledge to support parties that uphold gospel values and safeguard freedom, equality, fraternity, democracy, social justice, and the welfare of minorities.
In Christian circles, the Bishop’s Council and Archdiocese of Mylapor-Madras is well reputed and known to receive huge foreign funds via the FCRA channel for their evangelical activities in Tamil Nadu and through their affiliates as well as across the nation. LRPF, in its complaint, strongly stated that “instead of utilising the foreign funds for the purpose intended by the donors, the entities are using the same to spew venom against the central government, judiciary, parliament, and media. This amounts to blatant misuse of the FCRA funds“.
Since colonial times, the Church has been viewed as an extension of Western powers. Though the colonies disappeared in the twentieth century, the Church continues to serve as a proxy for these powers. The Church’s operating pattern is to bring about favourable governments or to destabilise opponents through its eco-system.
Suspecting the influence of foreign forces behind this article, LRFP seeks an investigation for potential violations of FEMA, PMLA, and FCRA regulations on the affiliates of the archdiocese that include the Estate of Sir John De Monte, the Archdiocese of Madras Mylapore Society, Madras Social Service Society, Chennai Mylai Educational Society, Jdax (John Demonte Academy of Excellence), The Cuomo Foundation Trust of India, and Caritas India.
Particularly, LPRF cites that these kinds of columns interfere with the Catholic Christian Religious Body in political discourses contrary to its aims and objectives. It also influences a section of voters on a religious basis by creating fear psychosis amongst them and creating an atmosphere of victimhood amongst voters in the southern states of India.
