Row erupts as BJP poster uses image of Kerala church for PM’s 75th birthday
Minority Morcha district president Joy Koickakudi defended the poster, saying the group had paid for a regular mass at the church and later lit 75 candles near the cross.
Minority Morcha district president Joy Koickakudi defended the poster, saying the group had paid for a regular mass at the church and later lit 75 candles near the cross.
Minority Morcha district president Joy Koickakudi defended the poster, saying the group had paid for a regular mass at the church and later lit 75 candles near the cross.
Thodupuzha: A poster circulated on social media by the BJP Minority Morcha’s Idukki district committee, featuring an image of the Muthalakodam St George Forane Church, has triggered controversy. The poster announced a celebration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, claiming a special mass and cake-cutting would be held at the church on Tuesday morning.
The poster listed BJP state vice president Shaun George, national vice president Noble Mathew, and Idukki North district president P P Sanu as guests, with Minority Morcha district president Joy Koickakudi leading the programme. Alongside Modi’s image and those of six other leaders, the church was prominently displayed in the background.
As the poster spread online, strong protests emerged. Parish vicar Fr Sebastian Arolichalil issued a statement clarifying that neither the Kothamangalam Diocese nor the Muthalakodam parish had any role in the event.
“No such programme took place in the church,” he said. “We strongly condemn the misuse of the church’s image. Sacred spaces and religious ceremonies must not be exploited for political or commercial purposes.” The vicar also reiterated the message during morning mass.
Minority Morcha district president Joy Koickakudi defended the poster, saying the group had paid for a regular mass at the church and later lit 75 candles near the cross. The cake-cutting, he said, took place at Sanjo Bhavan, a retirement home for priests.
“The church photo was included only to help workers identify the location,” Joy said.
Despite the clarification, criticism continues over the use of a religious institution’s image for what many see as a politically driven celebration.