Tensions escalated in Kerala's political and religious spheres after CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan launched a pointed attack on Thalassery Archbishop Joseph Pamplany, accusing him of flip-flopping political allegiances for personal gain. The remarks, made during an NGO Union event in Taliparamba on Monday, have sparked a fierce backlash from the Catholic Church, which branded Govindan's comments as "degrading" and indicative of authoritarian tendencies.

Govindan, addressing the gathering in north Kerala, criticized Pamplany's responses to recent events involving Christian communities. "When nuns were arrested in Chhattisgarh, he spoke out against the BJP. When bail was granted, he praised Amit Shah and others. Priests even went with cake. With such mood swings, neither Christians, Muslims nor Communists will be saved," Govindan remarked, implying the Archbishop's stances shift opportunistically.

The Thalassery Archdiocese swiftly condemned the statements in a late-night release, likening them to the "rhetoric of fascist forces." It accused Govindan of suggesting that bishops must seek approval from the CPI(M)'s AKG Centre headquarters before speaking out, revealing a "hidden authoritarian mindset." Defending Pamplany, the statement asserted he has consistently opposed "unconstitutional" actions by the central government and Sangh Parivar outfits, without any change in position. "Do not use your own character flaws as the measure to judge others," it sharply added.

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This row adds to a history of friction between the ruling CPI(M) and influential Church leaders in Kerala, where Christians form about 18% of the population and wield significant electoral sway. Pamplany, known for his outspoken views, has previously clashed with Left leaders over issues like minority rights and political martyrdom. In 2023, similar controversies arose when he commented on BJP policies, drawing CPI(M) ire for allegedly downplaying anti-minority violence. Govindan had then urged the Church to recognize the BJP's "anti-minority stance," amid reports of attacks on Christians nationwide.

The Chhattisgarh incident referenced by Govindan involved the arrest of Kerala nuns and priests earlier this year on charges related to alleged forced conversions during missionary work—a claim vehemently denied by Church authorities. The arrests drew widespread condemnation, with Pamplany initially blasting the BJP-led central government for persecuting minorities. However, after their bail, he expressed gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah, a move that included a symbolic gesture of priests presenting a cake, which critics like Govindan seized upon as evidence of inconsistency.

Opposition parties, including the Congress and BJP, have weighed in, with Congress leaders calling it a "distraction" from governance failures, while BJP figures defended Pamplany, accusing CPI(M) of anti-Christian bias. Social media has buzzed with debates, highlighting Kerala's polarized politics ahead of local elections.

As the verbal duel intensifies, Church representatives have called for restraint, emphasizing dialogue over division. Govindan, however, stood firm, reiterating his concerns about "broadcasting affinity towards BJP despite Christian persecution." The episode underscores ongoing tensions between secular Left ideologies and religious institutions in the state.

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