Thiruvananthapuram: In the backdrop of growing discontent from Christian communities following the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has initiated a strategic outreach program to reconnect with Christian leaders and regain lost support. The move comes after internal discussions revealed concerns that the party’s Christian engagement efforts had fallen short, especially in Kerala.
Beginning today, a week-long campaign will see senior BJP leaders meeting with prominent bishops, church representatives, and community heads to “explain matters” and foster renewed dialogue. The initiative is spearheaded by BJP State Vice President Shaun George, who has been entrusted with the leadership of the program.
In a high-level meeting convened at the KG Marar Bhavan on Monday, BJP leaders Rajeev Chandrasekhar, S. Suresh, Shaun George, and Morcha representatives Jiji Joseph and Sumit George charted out a course for engaging with Christian communities. The first round of meetings is scheduled to begin today with Shaun George visiting Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, the President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC), and Latin Archdiocese Vicar General Fr. Eugene Perera.
The BJP’s renewed push follows sharp criticism from various Christian denominations over the arrest and detention of Sister Preethi Mary and Sister Vandana Francis in Chhattisgarh. Church leaders have publicly voiced their opposition to what they call the unfair targeting of minority groups and have warned of continued protest unless justice is served.
By proactively engaging with religious leaders, the BJP hopes to dispel misunderstandings and communicate its stance directly, aiming to rebuild a bridge with a community that has traditionally held a cautious stance toward the party. Observers view this initiative as part of the BJP’s broader strategy to consolidate minority support ahead of crucial elections.
Whether the effort will yield meaningful results remains to be seen, but the party appears determined to correct its course and rebuild its rapport with Kerala’s influential Christian electorate.