Thiruvananthapuram: Cardinal Baselios Clemis Bava has strongly criticized the BJP-led administration over the controversial arrest of two Keralite Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh, accusing the party of hypocrisy and turning a blind eye to religious persecution. In a sharp response to the unfolding incident, the revered Church leader stated bluntly, “Enough tea after getting justice”, sending a clear message that pleasantries and political diplomacy cannot overshadow the call for justice and constitutional rights.
Speaking to the media, Clemis Bava condemned the arrest as being based on a fabricated and malicious allegation that lacks credible evidence. He demanded that the nuns be granted the constitutional protection owed to every citizen of India, irrespective of their faith. “Two women who dedicated their lives to serving society are now rotting in jail without even the dignity of bail. What kind of nation humiliates its own daughters like this?” he asked, visibly agitated.
The Cardinal’s remarks came in the wake of the Durg Sessions Court’s decision not to entertain the bail plea of the two arrested nuns, instead directing the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the case. The court’s reluctance to grant interim relief has ensured the continued detention of the nuns, a development that drew criticism from across Kerala and beyond.
Clemis Bava also questioned the BJP’s selective silence and double standards. “This incident will be a reference point in evaluating the BJP's relationship with minorities in the future. You cannot preach nationalism while allowing religious bigotry to go unchecked,” he said. His “tea after justice” remark was a pointed response to recent attempts at appeasement by BJP leaders towards Christian communities in Kerala, gestures he now termed hollow in the face of injustice.
Meanwhile, disturbing scenes unfolded outside the Durg court where Bajrang Dal members who had initially intercepted the nuns at the railway station were seen celebrating the court’s move. The right-wing group had accused the nuns of forced religious conversion and human trafficking when they were found traveling with three young women aged 19 to 22 from Narayanpur district. Despite the girls providing permission letters, valid IDs, and clarifying they were Christians going to work at a hospital run by the sisters, the activists allegedly harassed and forcibly detained the nuns until police intervened.
The arrested nuns Sister Vandana Francis from Udayagiri parish under Thalassery Archdiocese and Sister Preethi Mary from Elavoor parish under Angamaly Archdiocese belong to the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate. The police later registered a case naming Sister Preethi as the first accused and Vandana as the second.
Religious and civil society leaders across India have decried the incident as part of a growing pattern of intimidation against Christians, especially in states ruled by the BJP. Clemis Bava’s bold stand has further intensified the debate, with many now questioning whether the country’s legal and political institutions are being weaponized against religious minorities.
In the words of the Cardinal: “This is not just about two nuns. It is about the soul of India. It is about whether we will allow hate and suspicion to rule us, or whether we still believe in justice, dignity, and secularism. Until justice is done no more tea.”