THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister V. Sivankutty said that the silence maintained by Malayali Union Ministers over the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh is both dangerous and unfortunate. He made this statement to the media after meeting KCBC President and Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church, Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis, at the Bishop House in Pattom.

The Minister lashed out at Union Minister Suresh Gopi for remaining silent on the issue. “How can Union Minister Suresh Gopi, who went to present a golden crown to Mother Mary during the election period, now remain silent on this matter?” he asked. The minister also alleged that another Union Minister, George Kurian, is playing hide-and-seek regarding the incident.

He added that this incident once again proves the BJP’s so‑called love for minorities is hypocritical. He pointed out that attacks against minorities in the country are on the rise, and this has drawn widespread criticism at the global level. “There is not one BJP in North India and another in Kerala. BJP has only one real face. In Kerala, BJP leaders wear a mask. It is only because of Kerala’s strong secular foundation that its true face is not visible here. Given the opportunity, they will show it openly,” the minister warned.

“If they are hunting nuns now, their next target will be priests,” Sivankutty said. He reminded that the targeting of minorities in Chhattisgarh did not begin yesterday or today — similar actions had taken place even when the Congress was in power, which is also deeply concerning. He stressed that such developments can be strongly resisted only by strengthening secular forces.