KOZHIKODE: Does the Thalassery archdiocese toe the Sangh Parivar line? Thalassery archdiocese vicar-general Fr George Elukkunnel participated in a Sangh Parivar function on Monday and reportedly praised the BJP government on several issues, including the restriction imposed on cattle trade. However, Fr George Elukkunnel told DC that he was unaware that it was a Sangh Parivar function. He inaugurated the district convention of BJP minority morcha, the minority arm of BJP, at Neeleswaram along with Neeleswaram parish priest Fr Sebastian Podimattam.
A section of media claimed that the priest reportedly lauded the BJP government, saying some elements were unleashing baseless allegations against the party in the name of beef ban. “He also said that only the BJP can protect the basic rights of citizens,” according to some online publications that went viral on the social networking sites. BJP Kasargod district president K. Sreekanth and general secretary M. Velayudhan were also present.
However, Fr George Elukkunnel denied the charge. “We were seeking solutions for some social friction in that region when the invite came from a group which said it would help us to find a solution,” he said. “So I went and voiced my fears on several issues faced by us. I did not support any government or party. In fact, what I said on the beef ban was that choosing food is one’s fundamental right on which no party can impose restrictions. But what a section of the media reported was against the spirit of my message,” he lamented.
