Catholic Church Objects to BJP’s Proposal for PM Modi Birthday Event in Church

### Swift Summary
– A Catholic Church parish under the Syro-Malabar Church in Idukki opposed a BJP plan to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday celebrations at St. George Church,Muthalakkodom.
– BJP Minority Morcha posted on social media that Holy Mass and a cake-cutting ceremony would take place at the church, attended by BJP leaders Shone George and Noble Mathew.
– Vicar Father sebastian Arolichalil issued a statement asserting that neither the church nor its diocese was involved in hosting such an event. He condemned the use of the parish’s name for political purposes.
– The statement accused BJP of leveraging religious institutions for political benefits, rejecting their actions unequivocally.
– Despite this opposition, 75 candles were lit near the church premises by BJP leaders who claimed they had paid for a Holy Mass. A cake was cut later at Sanjo Bhavan (a priests’ retirement home), located near the church.

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### Indian opinion Analysis
This incident highlights tension surrounding religious spaces being associated with political activities,especially amid India’s diverse socio-political backdrop. The rejection by Father Sebastian reflects concerns about religious neutrality being undermined for partisan purposes-an issue relevant to India’s secular fabric.

While BJP leaders defended their motives as logistical rather than ideological,such incidents could provoke wider discourse on whether using sacred spaces aligns appropriately with democratic principles and public sentiment toward preserving community autonomy over their institutions.

It also underscores potential friction between political narratives and grassroots sentiments among various communities within India, especially when religion interfaces directly with politics.

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