THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The controversy among Christian sects over the screening of the contentious film 'The Kerala Story,' which the LDF and UDF have accused of being anti-Kerala, anti-Muslim and promoting an RSS agenda, has escalated. A faction of KCBC has fallen into the BJP's trap.The allegation that a section of the KCBC was taking the lead in the filming by falling into the BJP's trap became a hot topic in the election campaign.

The film was screened in the Diocese of Idukki at the invitation of the Kerala Catholic Youth Movement. Later, the Diocese of Thamarassery also prepared for its exhibition. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the film should not be solely considered anti-Muslim and cautioned against falling into the RSS trap, indirectly referring to the Christian churches.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan also voiced against showing the film in parishes. The controversy heightened when leaders AK Antony and CPM state secretary MV Govindan warned that the film could incite religious tensions. Meanwhile, the Diocese of Thalassery withdrew its support.

BJP, asserting that the exhibition of the film in parishes confirms allegations of love jihad in Kerala, is pleased that this has become a campaign issue. The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council's Vigilance Commission justifies it as an awareness effort to prevent children from straying in romantic relationships. The Syro-Malabar Church also supported this stance.

However, former Jacobite Church Niranam Bhadrasana Metropolitan Gevarghese Mar Kourilos' reaction, stating that the movie, based on falsehoods, was screened due to certain people's political agendas, underscores the divide on this matter.

'Kerala Story,' which was screened months ago within and outside Kerala, did not garner much attention. However, the CPM and Congress complained to the Election Commission that its recent broadcast on Doordarshan was part of the BJP's election agenda. More people became interested in watching the film due to the controversy, leading to unwanted publicity.