Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan has said that Kerala’s Minister for Culture Saji Cherian’s remarks on Catholic priests and bishops who attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Christmas banquet was “an insult to Kerala society.”
Speaking to reporters in Kozhikode on January 1 (Monday), Mr. Muraleedharan said that Mr. Cherian was trying to please Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by employing an offensive language against political opponents to secure a better portfolio in the Kerala Cabinet.
Mr. Muraleedharan alleged that those engaged in “goondaism” were getting better appreciation in the Kerala Ministry.
Condemning Mr. Cherian’s remarks that priests did not discuss the Manipur violence with Mr. Modi during the Christmas event, Mr. Muraleedharan said the Chief Minister’s silence on the controversial remark was a reflection of the Kerala Government’s real stance towards the Christian community.
He also pointed out that the Catholic Church had already clarified its clear stance on the Manipur issue and there were no reasons for any further explanations on the same from anyone.
