The Believers Eastern Church in Kerala has thrown its support behind BJP candidate Anil Antony in the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency, sparking speculation and scrutiny amidst ongoing IT investigations and controversies surrounding the Church.
Founded by evangelist K P Yohannan in 2000, the Believers Church boasts a formidable presence in Pathanamthitta, making its endorsement a significant development in the political landscape of the region.
The decision to align with the BJP comes amidst a backdrop of turmoil for the Church, which has been under the lens of the Income Tax Department since November 2020.
The investigation, stemmed from alleged discrepancies in the handling of a staggering Rs 4,000 crore in donations over the years, particularly concerning funds purportedly directed towards the real estate sector, according to Indian Express.
The Church's Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) license was revoked in 2017 due to suspected spending irregularities, further complicating its standing.
However, Church spokesperson Father Sijo Pandaplackal has denied any correlation between the support extended to the BJP and the ongoing investigations or the revoked FCRA license.
Pandaplackal emphasized that the decision solely pertains to the Pathanamthitta constituency and was made following discussions with Church leaders. He stressed that the Church had refrained from seeking political favours in the past, including during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, dismissing allegations of opportunism.
The timing of the endorsement is noteworthy, coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 26, where the Christian community's vote is highly coveted.
The move also aligns with the BJP's concerted efforts to secure backing from Kerala's Christian populace, despite past criticisms from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) regarding conversions by Pentecostal groups, particularly among Dalit Hindus.