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Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
BJP vs BJP: Why Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh has driven party units apart
The arrest of two Catholic nuns in the BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh on charges of alleged 'conversion and human trafficking' has upset the party unit in Kerala, where it is making attempts to reach out to the influential Christian community in the run-up to the local body elections, slated later this year, and the Assembly elections due in April 2026. Deviating from the party line in Chhattisgarh and other states over conversion, the Kerala BJP has rejected the case slapped by the Chhattisgarh administration against the nuns, who are from Kerala. It is another matter that a section of the Sangh Parivar hardliners in Kerala has seized on nuns' arrest to put the conversion row on the front burner. In recent years the Kerala BJP has sought to sidestep the issue of conversion in its bid to connect with Christians in the state. Chattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday justified the police action against the nuns, saying that the issue was 'serious and sensitive that affects safety of our daughters'' and that it 'should not be politicised'. The Kerala BJP has dismissed CM Sai's statement, asserting that the arrested nuns were not involved in any conversion or human trafficking attempts. It has also rushed party general secretary Anoop Antony, its key Christain face, to Raipur to take up the matter with the authorities there to provide relief to the jailed nuns. Kerala BJP president and ex-Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar told reporters in Delhi, 'We will ensure all support for the nuns. Our state general secretary is currently in Chhattisgarh, and we are committed to ensuring that all necessary assistance is provided to secure justice for the arrested nuns. While Chhattisgarh, being a tribal state, has an anti-conversion law in place, we are convinced that the allegations of conversion against the Malayali nuns are not true. We have been in constant touch with the state government since the issue first came to light. The BJP is determined to stand by the nuns until they are released and justice is delivered.' He added that the parties like the Congress were trying to exploit the matter for their 'opportunistic politics'. The Kerala BJP went into a damage control exercise after the Congress, which has seemed to be losing traction among its Christian support base in the state, raked up nuns' arrest to 'expose dual face' of the BJP. State Congress leaders sought to project the BJP as 'a party that jails Christian clergy in North India while visiting Christian homes in Kerala on Christmas and Easter'. What has worried the BJP is the strong stand taken by Kerala's Churches, especially the Catholic Church, against the Chhattisgarh police's action against the two nuns, who belong to the politically, numerically and socially powerful Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. In Thrissur, many Catholics took to the streets Tuesday in protest against the nuns' arrest. The BJP had registered its first-ever Lok Sabha win from Kerala when actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi won the Thrissur seat in the 2024 elections. Besides, in the recent organisational revamp, the party inducted several Christian faces in its leadership at the state and district levels. However, the Kerala BJP's stance towards the nuns' arrest has not gone down well with other Sangh Parivar outfits. Prominent RSS leader and state president of Hindu Aikya Vedi, an umbrella organisation of pro-Sangh groups, R V Babu, in a Facebook post, said, 'The activities of Christian missionaries in North and Northeastern states are different. Massive conversion has been going on in those places focusing on Hindus. Why is the Church not going to Muslim areas with evangelisation activities? Have these missionaries taken any oath that they will serve only Hindus.' Former Vedi general secretary Bhargava Ram, in his Facebook post, said, 'There should not be any compromise towards conversion', adding that 'Let the Christian missionaries try to rectify the backwardness of their own community. Attempts by the Christian community, which is worried over love jihad, to insult Bajrang Dal on the ground that it opposes conversion should be resisted.' Several other social media handles associated with various Sangh Parivar outfits in Kerala have also come out to question the Christian missionary works in North India. Some of them have also taken exception to the Kerala BJP chief 'meddling' in the Chhattisgarh row.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
CM Sai courts steel investors in Chhattisgarh, promises incentives and support
Advt Advt Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday urged steel entrepreneurs from across India to set up their production units in Chhattisgarh, highlighting the incentives offered under his government's new Industrial Policy and the state's rich mineral the ' Green Steel and Mining Summit ' organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for its eastern region in Raipur, he emphasised Chhattisgarh's potential as a future hub for green steel manufacturing."Our government's new industrial policy places a special focus on the steel sector. Entrepreneurs engaged in green steel production will receive dedicated grants under this policy," Sai noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has doubled its steel production capacity from 100 million tonnes to 200 million tonnes in the last 10 years with a national target of reaching 300 million tonnes by 2030."In line with this vision, Chhattisgarh aims to raise its own steel production capacity from 28 million tonnes to 45 million tonnes with all groundwork already completed," the CM BJP leader underscored that Chhattisgarh's abundant mineral resources and well-developed infrastructure provide a strong foundation for industrial expansion."This growth will boost the state economy and generate employment at the grassroots level. We are fully committed to maximizing job creation through the manufacturing sector," he CM told the gathering that "Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision @ 2047", a roadmap, has been prepared to align with the national goal of Viksit Bharat @2047", which aims to make India a developed nation in 22 years from 'Anjor Vision' document outlines a phased development strategy with manufacturing identified as the core focus area, especially steel and power, the backbone industries of Chhattisgarh, he Railway infrastructure in the state has been significantly enhanced, and rapid construction is underway to further strengthen the network. The expansion includes ongoing projects worth Rs 47,000 crore. New routes, such as Rowghat-Jagdalpur line and Kirandul to Kothagudem line in Telangana (138 km of which will pass via Bastar), are being developed, the CM a new Railway corridor from Kharsia in Raigarh to Parmalkasa in Rajnandgaon will streamline the supply of raw materials and distribution of finished goods, significantly reducing production costs, he informed the state's new Industrial Policy features a single-window clearance system and over 350 reforms to improve the ease of doing business, Sai CM declared that industries adopting green energy solutions will receive additional support, including special corridors are being developed at a rapid pace, and new industrial parks are being established in the state. The government is offering special grants to private players to set up these parks, he CM urged entrepreneurs present at the summit to invest in Chhattisgarh and set up their units in the informed them about plans to develop a large steel cluster in the proposed State Capital Region that includes Raipur, Durg, and than 250 industrial representatives from five states - West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh - attended the explored industrial prospects in Chhattisgarh and held fruitful discussions, a release said.
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
From Kerala To Parliament: Protests Over Nuns' Arrest For Conversion; CM Chhattisgarh Reacts
Last Updated: Two Catholic nuns from Kerala were arrested in Chhattisgarh for alleged religious conversion and trafficking. Congress and CPI(M) criticized the arrest, while CM Sai defended it. Two Catholic nuns from Kerala have been arrested in Chhattisgarh over charges of alleged religious conversion and human trafficking. The FIR, filed at the Government Railway Police (GRP) station in Bhilai, triggered a political slugfest, with Congress and CPI(M) criticising their arrest and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai accusing the parties of politicising the issue. In the Parliament complex on Monday, a group of UDF MPs, including Venugopal, RSP's NK Premchandran and IUML's ET Mohammed Basheer, protested in front of the Makar Dwar steps, before the start of the day's proceedings. They carried posters like 'Stop attacks on minorities" and demanded action against those behind the arrest of nuns. UDF MPs held a strong protest outside Parliament today against the shocking arrest and harassment of Catholic nuns in Durg in Chhattisgarh. They were targeted by a violent mob despite no the BJP-RSS ecosystem, all minorities are treated as criminals and lumpen… — K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) July 28, 2025 Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, demanded the immediate release of nuns. 'Two Catholic nuns jailed in Chhattisgarh after being targeted for their faith – this isn't justice, it's BJP-RSS mob rule. It reflects a dangerous pattern: systematic persecution of minorities under this regime. UDF MPs protested in Parliament today. We will not be silent. Religious freedom is a constitutional right. We demand their immediate release and accountability for this injustice, said Gandhi, a former MP frmo Kerala's Wayanad, in a post on X. Priyanka Gandhi, in a statement issued by her Wayanad office, alleged: 'This is not an isolated incident. Under BJP rule, minorities are being continuously persecuted and humiliated." Why Were Kerala Nuns Arrested? Nuns Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis, as well as a third person identified as Sukaman Mandavi, were arrested from Durg railway station on July 25 following a complaint from a local Bajrang Dal functionary, who accused them of forcibly converting three girls from Narayanpur and trafficking them, a railway police official had said on Sunday. What Chhattisgarh CM Said? Chhattisgarh CM Sai justified the police action against the nuns, saying, 'Three daughters of Narayanpur were promised nursing training followed by jobs. A person from Narayanpur handed them over to two nuns at Durg station, who were taking the daughters to Agra. An attempt was being made to convert them by human trafficking by luring them." 'This is a serious matter related to the safety of women. The investigation is still ongoing in this matter. The case is sub-judice, and the law will take its own course. Chhattisgarh is a peace-loving state where people of all religions and communities live in harmony. It is very unfortunate to politicise the issue related to the safety of our daughters of Bastar," the chief minister asserted. Responding to Sai, Congress leader K C Venugopal said instead of arresting the 'Bajrang Dal goons, the Chhattisgarh CM is endorsing them and insulting the innocent nuns who were carrying out social work among the poor." 'This goes to show how the BJP is nothing but wolves in sheep's clothing – pretending to be inclusive, while vilifying and targeting minorities in reality. This is a warning for every single community that has been given false assurances of support and welfare by the BJP – they will come after you and everyone that does not fit their agenda of hate," he said in a post on X. How Leaders In Kerala Reacted? Two Kerala Ministers– P Rajeev and Roshy Augustine– visited the family of nun Preethi, one of the nuns arrested by the Chhattisgarh police. They visited the family as directed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, to offer them the full support of the Left government. A Congress delegation, led by Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan and UDF MLAs, also visited the nun's family to express their solidarity. The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC), an influential body of the Catholic church in the state, strongly condemned the arrest of nuns, calling it a painful and unacceptable incident, and urged the Centre to take justifiable action. BJP's Kerala Unit In Tough Spot The BJP's Kerala unit, which has been working to expand its support base in the southern state — particularly among the influential Syro-Malabar Catholic Church– ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, responded defensively. Kerala BJP vice-president Shaun George told reporters that the party's state unit and central leadership had taken adequate steps to ensure that the nuns would not face any further difficulties, provided they had done nothing wrong. 'The offices of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have intervened in the matter in recent days. We have also been in frequent contact with the nuns' family members in the state. We hope that they will receive justice at the earliest," he said. 'A team led by Anoop Antony will be travelling to Chhattisgarh," the BJP said. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 28, 2025, 23:59 IST News india From Kerala To Parliament: Protests Over Nuns' Arrest For Conversion; CM Chhattisgarh Reacts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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NDTV
2 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
"I Don't Even Look...": Gautam Gambhir's Blunt Response To Sai Sudharshan's Critics
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir said he prioritises partnerships over individual scores, emphasising the importance of the number three batsman contributing to these partnerships. He also highlighted Sai Sudharsan as a remarkable talent. India went with Sai at No.3 in the series opener, but he made zero in the first innings and 30 in the second. He was dropped from the side, and Karun was promoted up the order. However, in three Tests, Nair has mustered only 131 runs at an average of 21.83. "I don't even look at the individual runs. I only look at the partnerships. I think if we want to build this team, we want to build this team on partnerships, not on individual scores. I think if the number three can have a partnership and can contribute in that partnership, I think he's done his job. That is something which is very important. And Sai is a phenomenal talent," Gambhir told the media. Sai, making a comeback into the playing XI for the fourth Test, made a vital fifty in the first innings but was dismissed by Chris Woakes for a golden duck in the second innings. "I think you can't keep judging people after every game. He's 23, playing his first test series in England in English conditions, and still putting his hand out and scoring that brilliant 50 or 60. I think you've got to have patience with these boys," he added. Gambhir praised Team India for forging their own history, highlighting their character and determination to fight for the country. He felt the current Indian team was the best and emphasised the valuable lessons learned from their performance under pressure, particularly the draw on Day 5 against England in the fourth Test. "They (Team India) are creating their own history. No one in this team will follow anyone now that they want to... This is the foundation of this team. These are characters sitting in the dressing room wanting to fight for the country, and they will continue to do that... This is the best 18 that is going to represent, and that is in the dressing room. The most important thing is that these guys are going to learn a lot from what they did today, because being under pressure, batting five sessions is never easy on Day 5 against an attack like England and then coming out with a draw," Gambhir said. England is currently leading the five-match series 2-1, India will be eyeing to win the in fifth Test at The Oval to level the series to share the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, on the other hand England will look to bounce back and win the series 3-1. Coming to the match, stellar centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the second innings guided India to secure a draw in the fourth test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chhattisgarh CM warns against politicising trafficking case Involving Kerala nuns
Raipur: Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday called for restraint and urged political parties not to politicise the issue of women's safety, following the arrest of two Kerala-based nuns and another individual in an alleged case of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai. (File Photo) On July 25, the Railway Police at Durg station arrested Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis, both nuns from Kerala, along with Sukaman Mandavi, after a local Bajrang Dal functionary lodged a complaint accusing them of trafficking and attempting to forcibly convert three girls from Narayanpur. According to officials, the girls were reportedly being taken to Agra under the pretext of receiving nursing training and subsequent employment. In a post on X, Sai said, 'Three daughters of Narayanpur were promised nursing training and jobs. A person from Narayanpur handed them over to two nuns at Durg station, who were taking them to Agra. This appears to be a case of human trafficking under the guise of conversion by luring.' Calling the incident serious and sensitive, Sai added, 'The matter concerns the safety of our daughters. The investigation is underway, and the case is sub-judice. The law will take its own course. Chhattisgarh is a peace-loving state where people of all faiths coexist harmoniously. It is unfortunate that such issues related to women's safety are being politicised.' The arrests have sparked political backlash in Kerala, with both the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Chhattisgarh. Both fronts alleged that the incident reflects the growing insecurity faced by minorities under BJP rule. Kerala ministers P. Rajeev and Roshy Augustine, along with a delegation of UDF MLAs led by leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan, met the family of nun Preethi Merry and expressed solidarity. CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas called the arrests a 'blatant misuse of law' and demanded the immediate release of the nuns. In a letter to Sai, Brittas urged him to intervene in the matter and ensure justice. Meanwhile, the BJP's Kerala unit has announced that it will send a delegation to Chhattisgarh to assess the situation.
