The Thalassery Archdiocese has strongly condemned the remarks made by CPM state secretary M V Govindan against Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany, stating that his stance reflects the mindset of fascist forces.

In a statement, the Archdiocese said Catholic bishops do not need permission from the AKG Centre to take a firm stand on any issue. "The idea that Catholic bishops can issue statements only after getting clearance from the AKG Centre is a veiled form of fascism," it said.

Earlier on Monday, speaking at an NGO Union event in Taliparamba, Govindan said Pamplany frequently shifted his political stance. "When nuns were arrested in Chhattisgarh, he spoke out against the BJP. When bail was granted, he praised Amit Shah and others. Priests even went with cake. With such mood swings, neither Christians, Muslims, nor Communists will be saved," Govindan said.

However, the church slammed his remarks and called him an opportunist. "Anyone observing his statements can see that he has made a habit of opportunism. Malayalees are witnesses to the fact that Govindan has rarely stood firm on any of his statements for even a week," the Archdiocese said. "There are numerous examples of his opportunism, including remarks that have placed his own party leaders and even the Chief Minister in difficult positions."

The Archdiocese also defended Pamplany, saying that he had strongly criticised the central government for its "unconstitutional stance" following the illegal arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh. However, he later thanked the Centre for its role in securing their release. "Thanking the central government for responding to the Church's request to intervene in the matter does not indicate a shift in position, but rather reflects a well-thought-out approach aimed at avoiding communal polarisation," the Archdiocese said, issuing a pointed rebuttal to Govindan's remarks.

The Archdiocese noted that Pamplany had appreciated Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s letter to the Centre seeking urgent intervention in the Chhattisgarh issue, as well as the efforts of the Congress leadership and Left MP John Brittas. "Is Govindan branding all of this as opportunism too?" it asked.

The statement concluded with a strong reminder to Govindan: "One should not use their own personality flaws as a yardstick to judge others."