KOZHIKODE: The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has come out against Minister Saji Cheriyan's remark against Christian church leaders who attended the banquet at the Prime Minister's official residence. The Latin Catholic Council also came down heavily on the minister. As the BJP also came out to take advantage of the opportunity, the matter grew into a political controversy.

After inaugurating the CPM local committee office in Alappuzha, Saji Cheriyan said that certain bishops get "goosebumps" when BJP leaders invite them.

"Certain bishops get goosebumps when they get an invitation from the BJP. Those who went to meet the Prime Minister did not have the uprightness to speak about Manipur. They were served with cakes and grape wine. Manipur was not at all the subject of discussion for them," the minister said.

KCBC said that Saji Cherian's statement was not acceptable to the Christian community and that people in high positions should refrain from making such statements.

Following this, Union Minister V Muraleedharan came out with a strong response. Muraleedharan said that Saji Cheriyan's remark was an insult to Kerala and that the Chief Minister's silence clarified the government's stand towards the Church.

BJP has been trying to get close to Christian churches for a long time. The attempt was interrupted following the Manipur riots. This prompted the Prime Minister to host a Christmas banquet. During the banquet, it was announced that the Pope would be coming to India in 2024. On the occasion of Christmas, Kerala BJP leaders visited various church headquarters and Christian homes in the state.