FCRA row: Church-run Kerala daily hits out at 'political opportunists'
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Thiruvananthapuram: A church-supported Malayalam daily on Saturday published a strongly worded editorial criticising "political opportunists" amid the ongoing row over proposed amendments to the FCRA, PTI reported.
The BJP disapproved of the contents in the editorial, while the Congress condemned the remarks made by the saffron party leaders.
The editorial in 'Deepika Daily' asserted that its stand 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.
George and his son had contested as BJP-NDA candidates in Poonjar and Pala constituencies, respectively.
Referring to laws framed in the name of the larger public but allegedly affecting minorities disproportionately, the daily warned against efforts to curb discussions on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (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. However, the editorial did not name anyone in particular.
Responding to the editorial, Shone criticised the newspaper, stating that its views cannot be considered as the official stand of the Church.
"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 also alleged that the daily had taken a position favouring the Congress-led UDF ahead of the Assembly elections.
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.