By The Sampadak Express
A recent article published in Organiser, the RSS’ ideological mouthpiece, has ignited a political firestorm in Kerala. The article, which discussed the extent of land ownership by the Catholic Church in India, has been strongly criticized by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi.
CM Vijayan condemned the article, accusing the Sangh Parivar of attempting to target and marginalize minority communities. He pointed out that the article, published soon after the passage of the Waqf Amendment Act, reflects the deep-seated hostility of the RSS towards minorities. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vijayan stated, “Though later withdrawn, it reveals a deliberate, step-by-step attempt to isolate minorities and their institutions. Secular forces must unite in resistance.”
Rahul Gandhi: ‘It’s Christians Now’
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also voiced his concerns over the article, warning that the Waqf Bill, which had recently received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent, could pave the way for further targeting of minority communities. Gandhi, who had previously criticized the Waqf Bill for attacking Muslims, stated that the RSS’ focus on Christians was the next step in their broader agenda.”
I had said the Waqf Bill attacks Muslims but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future. It didn’t take long for the RSS to turn its attention to Christians,” Gandhi posted on X, sharing the news report about the RSS article. He emphasized that the Constitution remains the only safeguard against such efforts, urging citizens to defend it.
Chennithala Slams Article
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala also condemned the article, calling it “highly deplorable.” He claimed the focus on Catholic Church land holdings was connected to the passing of the Waqf Bill and signaled a potential crackdown on Christian institutions. “The article clearly mentions that the Catholic community in India has seven crore acres in their hands. With the Waqf Bill, they want to control Waqf properties. The next step will be to target properties owned by the Catholic community in India,” said Chennithala.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which stirred intense debate in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, seeks to address issues related to Waqf properties. After its passage, the bill received presidential assent on Saturday evening, becoming an official Act. However, its implementation has raised concerns about its broader impact on minority communities, particularly Muslims and Christians.
