Thiruvananthapuram, April 11 A church-supported Malayalam daily published a strongly worded editorial on Saturday, criticizing "political opportunists" amid the ongoing controversy over proposed amendments to the FCRA.
The editorial in 'Deepika Daily' stated that its position would remain unchanged despite alleged threats and attempts to silence minority voices.
The hard-hitting editorial came a day after BJP leader P C George and his son Shone George made critical remarks against certain bishops over their reported stance during the April 9 Assembly polls.
Referring to laws framed in the name of the larger public but allegedly disproportionately affecting minorities, the daily warned against efforts to curb discussions on the FCRA.
"Even if political opportunists come forward with threats asking not to speak about the FCRA, our stand will remain the same," the editorial said, adding that political "defilers" should not be allowed to hijack the issue.
Responding to the editorial, Shone criticized the newspaper, stating that its views cannot be considered as the official position of the Church.
"The Church is an institution comprising individuals, including me. Journalism is not about taking sides with any political party or front," he told reporters here.
He said there was no change in his stance and that he had already conveyed his views to church heads, adding that he would file an official complaint in the matter.
Shone also alleged that the newspaper had taken a position favoring the Congress-led UDF in the run-up to the Assembly elections, and asserted that the Church had no moral obligation to safeguard the interests of the daily's investors.
On Friday, P C George criticized certain Catholic bishops, alleging that they supported the opposition UDF in the polls. He also claimed that a bishop of the Kanjirapally diocese had directed nuns to vote for the front.
Shone, who contested from Pala, had echoed similar allegations, stating that despite the BJP supporting Church-related concerns, the party had not received reciprocal backing.
George further said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured that the proposed FCRA amendments would not create difficulties and would only require disclosure of foreign funding details.
"Those bishops who speak politics will be seen as politicians by us. We will deal with them politically. We will not respect them," he had said.
On concerns raised by sections of the Christian community over the FCRA amendment bill, he said, "Let them keep their concerns to themselves. The bill will be passed."
Churches in Kerala have expressed opposition to the proposed amendments, which were introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25.
The Centre has maintained that the changes aim to enhance transparency and ensure proper utilisation of foreign funds, while also preventing misuse for activities such as forced religious conversions.
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai had said the legislation seeks to strengthen accountability in the use of foreign contributions.