By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 22: Amid the political war of words surrounding the Church, the BJP on Friday dared state Congress chief and Shillong MP Vincent H Pala to give one example of the saffron party showing disrespect to the Church or retract his statement.
The churches play an important role in deciding the fate of candidates in the Christian-majority Meghalaya. Recently, Pala alleged that the Voice of the People Party (VPP) has a design similar to that of the BJP to attack the political parties, the Church and the society.
“The Congress is well aware that their chances are fading with each passing day and the BJP’s fortunes are on a visible upswing,” BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said.
“Such objectionable remarks are just a tactic to hoodwink the public and a desperate attempt to garner some sympathy votes,” he said.
Stating that Pala’s statements were uncalled for and a misinformation campaign, the BJP highlighted various instances when Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the Church and pro-Christian activities carried out by the party’s various state leaders.
The BJP reminded Pala that during a pre-Christmas event organised at the Prime Minister’s residence, Modi had lavished unparalleled praise on Jesus Christ and His teachings.
Reminding that the PM had stated Jesus Christ worked on making an inclusive society that has justice for everyone and these ideas were a guiding light for the development of the country, the BJP asked which Congress leader ever paid such glowing tributes to Jesus Christ and His divine message.
“This is a question that BJP wants Mr Pala to answer,” the party said.
It recalled that during the Christmas season, its senior leaders, including AL Hek, organised celebratory programmes for children and the underprivileged, spreading festive cheer all around, which is diametrically opposite to the fiction being scripted by leaders like Pala.
While attacking the VPP, Pala had drawn a parallel between the “communal” ideologies of the VPP and the BJP.
He alleged that the BJP abuses church leaders and toeing that line, the VPP also abuses the “Tymmen Basan” (church elders). He had further claimed that both parties talk about religion and polarise voters on communal lines.