Kochi: In the wake of the bail granted to Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethi Mary, the Keralite Catholic nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh, a strong political consensus is emerging across Kerala. Leaders from both the UDF and LDF fronts have called for the immediate withdrawal of what they unanimously term a fabricated and unjust case. The demand intensifies following the nuns’ release after nine harrowing days in judicial custody.
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan expressed sharp criticism of the entire episode, stating that the nuns were wrongfully portrayed as criminals. “They were sent to jail for a crime they did not commit. The prosecution’s attempt to block their bail only proves the bias involved. The BJP’s duplicity stands exposed,” Satheesan said, adding that the incident should serve as a warning against the misuse of state machinery for communal agendas.
Echoing this sentiment, Muslim League National General Secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty said the arrest was a national embarrassment that could have snowballed into an international outcry had it persisted. “The only reason the authorities backed down was due to the relentless pressure from Kerala. This incident underlines the power of an educated society and the vigilance of a state that refuses to tolerate injustice,” he said.
Education Minister V. Sivankutty laid bare the ideological motives behind the arrest. “This was a staged drama executed under the shadow of hate. Bajrang Dal activists obstructed the nuns without provocation, and despite clear evidence of parental consent and documentation, the police yielded to mob pressure. This incident unmasks the BJP's double standards on law and order,” he said.
Law Minister P. Rajeev described the bail as only a partial victory. “This verdict offers temporary relief, but justice will remain incomplete until the FIR is cancelled. The nuns were jailed solely because of their religious attire and identity. Tomorrow, it could be anyone. The anti-conversion law used here is unconstitutional and a tool of oppression,” he said, urging the Chhattisgarh government to rectify the situation without delay.
As the families of the nuns and leaders across the political and ecclesiastical spectrum breathe a sigh of relief, the focus has now shifted to the next crucial step demanding accountability, reversing the FIR, and safeguarding constitutional values.
The incident, though shocking, has galvanized a rare solidarity among political parties, church authorities, and civil society in Kerala, all united in their call for justice and dignity for two innocent women of faith.