Speaking in Tiruvananthapuram on February 27, VHP general secretary Bajrang Bagra emphasised the need for awareness and open discussion on issues concerning the Hindu community. Stating that the first instance of “Love Jihad” occurred in Kerala, he supported the use of cinema, including The Kerala Story, as a medium to inform society. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that temple administration remains in the hands of devotees.
VHP general secretary questioned, what was wrong if the makers of “The Kerala Story” used the medium of cinema to spread awareness among Hindus. He said the film should be discussed widely.
Temple Administration Should be in the hands of devotees
He urged governments not to interfere in temple administration. He alleged that governments have taken control of temple lands, gold, and other assets. According to him, government control of temple administration is the biggest issue temples face today. He added that devotees know how to manage temples.
Bajrang Bal said governments should not indulge in childish politics in the name of the Constitution. He asserted that temples belong to Hindu society and alleged that gold loot was engineered in Sabarimala. He called upon devotees not to allow temples to be converted into centres of political activity.
The VHP leader said the Justice J.B. Koshi Commission report contains provisions intended to appease Latin Christians. He alleged that the government follows one policy for Hindus and another for others. He described the Justice J.B. Koshi Commission report as anti-Hindu and claimed that the government is preparing to implement it with vote bank considerations in mind.
VHP Secretary on Religious Conversion
The VHP general secretary further said that encouraging religious conversion is unconstitutional. He stated that caste certificates should be issued by government officials. He alleged that the government is implementing the J.B. Koshi Commission report during election periods as part of a policy to appease the Christian community. He also referred to a Supreme Court order stating that reservations should not exceed 50 percent. The VHP leader said the organisation would organise massive protests against the Justice J.B. Koshi Commission report.
The Justice J.B. Koshi Commission was appointed to study the educational and economic backwardness and welfare of Christian minorities. The Cabinet accepted the Commission’s report in principle on February 24 and resolved to publish it officially. Accordingly, the government decided to issue Latin Catholic Community Certificates based on enquiries conducted by the Village Officer, with the Bishop’s certificate acknowledged as supporting documentation. The report states that the condition restricting eligibility to those who joined the Latin Catholic Church before 1947, or their successors, is unscientific.
As the VHP general secretary stated, the Justice J.B. Koshi report has been accepted by the state government, which he alleged is part of a strategy by the CPM and the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) to appease the Christian community during election season. However, he said this may not be the last such move, adding that the people of Kerala can expect several similar “surprises” in the run-up to the Assembly elections.
