Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan strongly criticised Christian priests on December 31 for their alleged silence on the issue of Manipur violence during the Christmas programme organised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence in New Delhi.
Speaking after inaugurating a local committee office of his party CPI(M) in this coastal district, Mr. Cheriyan mocked certain bishops who attended the Prime Minister's programme, saying they got "goosebumps" when BJP leaders invited them.
He alleged that they forgot the issue of Manipur violence targeting their own community members when they were served with cakes and grape wine.