Congress Leader KC Venugopal Slams BJP for Targeting Christians

Alappuzha, 8 April 2025 – AICC general secretary KC Venugopal has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is systematically undermining constitutional safeguards for minority communities, claiming that Christians are the latest group facing targeted actions after Muslims.

Addressing reporters in Alappuzha on 5 April, Venugopal criticised the Centre’s approach to legislation affecting minorities, particularly highlighting the Waqf Amendment Bill as an assault on religious freedom. He asserted that any law contradicting the Constitution must be rejected outright.

Venugopal referred to a recent article in the Organiser—an RSS-linked publication—which focused on land holdings by the Catholic Church, alleging that it was part of a calculated campaign to incite resentment against Christians. “Today, the laws are weaponised against Muslims; tomorrow, they may target Christians and even Sikhs. This is a dangerous precedent,” he warned.

He also cited an intervention in Parliament by an MP affiliated with the RSS, who echoed similar concerns over Church-owned land, reinforcing the perception of an orchestrated narrative against the Christian community.

Turning to state issues, Venugopal reaffirmed Congress’ support for the residents of Munambam, urging the Kerala government to provide full legal protection. He described the local dispute as justified and long-standing.

In the cultural arena, Venugopal condemned what he described as selective action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), pointing to investigations targeting the Malayalam film Empuraan. “While films like Emergency, The Kashmir Files, and The Kerala Story face no scrutiny, the ED’s focus on Empuraan reeks of political vendetta,” he said, accusing the BJP of using central agencies as instruments of retribution.

He warned that divisive attempts are being made to destabilise communal harmony in Kerala, with deliberate efforts to turn religious groups—Hindus, Christians, and Muslims—against one another.

Venugopal called on citizens to resist such polarising tactics. “Congress is committed to upholding religious harmony. The Constitution’s protection of minorities must not be compromised. It is a fallacy to believe that safeguarding one religion comes by pitting it against others,” he stated.

Courtesy: Times of India