The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Kerala): The recent decision by the Manipur government to designate Easter as a working day sparked a significant controversy, leading to a heated exchange between the Congress and the BJP in Kerala, a state with a substantial Christian population. Congress leaders, including Shashi Tharoor and V D Satheesan, criticized the decision as disrespectful and divisive, contrasting the BJP’s outreach efforts in Kerala with its policies in Manipur.
The BJP responded to the outcry by highlighting a subsequent retraction of the controversial order, accusing the Congress of spreading falsehoods due to a lack of substantive issues. Prakash Javadekar, a senior BJP leader, used social media to affirm the recognition of Good Friday and Easter Sunday as holidays, challenging the Congress and Communist parties to address broader international concerns.
This political skirmish underscores the strategic importance of the Christian community’s vote in the looming Lok Sabha elections, with both parties seeking to navigate the complexities of religious sensitivities and minority rights. The BJP’s efforts to mend its image among Christian voters in Kerala have been juxtaposed against the backdrop of ongoing violence in Manipur, with the Congress leveraging this issue to critique the BJP’s record on minority protection.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s opposition to the original order and his intervention with the Manipur government reflect the BJP’s attempt to address concerns raised by the controversy. This incident has not only highlighted the fraught nature of religious and political relations in India but also the tactical considerations of national parties as they prepare for electoral contests in states like Kerala, where the Christian vote can significantly impact electoral outcomes.
The Manipur government’s decision and its swift retraction after public backlash demonstrate the sensitive balance political entities must maintain in addressing the rights and sentiments of religious minorities. This episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing India’s diverse society and the critical role of political leadership in fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all communities.