The following ‘notice’ appeared a day before the election (24 October 2010) in a constituency of Kottayam Municipality where four candidates are in the fray. The ‘notice’ was widely distributed among selected Christian families who are relatively apolitical and at the premises of local churches where the faithful had come to attend the Sunday mass. The ‘notice’ can be considered as an indication of an increasing trend of communal polarization in Kerala polity and society. It is widely alleged that the notice was distributed by a group of people favouring a Christian candidate who is supported by the LDF. Political colours are less important in this case. But the audacity with which open calls for rallying along communal lines have been voiced is unprecedented and is therefore subversive of the pluralist values that the Kerala voters have been generally known for. The ‘notice’ has been widely discussed and majority of those who saw it were vocal in their criticism and are unlikely to be influenced by such propaganda. However, there are some gullible among them who could be influenced by it. Only time will tell us how the people respond to such maligned propaganda to garner votes along communal lines.
Courtesy : Jos Chathukulam (FEC)
Oh! This is truly sad! This is a portent to the ominous future awaiting us, I feel.
I wonder why the elders of the community didn’t warned them. If there is any truth in the allegations against the Councillor, it should be better communicated using democratic and secular methods instead of teaming up religiously and excluding all others.
Whoever did this must have remembered that they themselves are a minority in the state and even smaller in the whole of India.
Comment by Sujith Abraham — October 26, 2010 @ 5:22 pm
This is not christian terrorism; political terrorism! born for many dads they dont mind to circulate this kind of shits to favour all casts based on their number in a constituency. But God is great. These fools are yet to understand the viral effect of media and how things are backfiring them..
Comment by Praveen Kumar — October 26, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
Pretty arrogant. But better than a lot of communities, Christians are less radical and better organized coming under the umbrella of a church (not considering the number of churches , though). Why dont you write about the issues that should really be discussed with the church as the forum? I am interested to read it
Comment by Leya — October 26, 2010 @ 7:58 pm
Christians may be less radical about using violence, but there are many with radical thoughts and ideas, which are as dangerous as weapons of mass destruction.
Semitic religions are known for their intolerance, the first commandment itself says I am the only God.
Comment by Kenney Jacob — October 26, 2010 @ 8:06 pm
Apocalypse at last!! Glad it starts from our land, the land where our culture claims that life originated.
Comment by Rajeev R — October 27, 2010 @ 11:41 am
We can only blame ourselves for all the failing at society. Its just not a religion, or a cast contributed for it- all have been part to it.
Introspection and corrective methods to address all known issue would some how will bring the tension down.
Comment by Grace — October 27, 2010 @ 3:25 pm
CSS…Never even heard about this organization. Hope they wont get much publicity. Church should now write letters warning the followers about these Orgs. No Place here for them
Comment by Sijo George — October 29, 2010 @ 12:05 am
Well,In my opinion you cant blame a particular religion for spreading terrorism neither u can say that your religion is less radical using violence.Almost all the religions in the world has shown their violent attitudes towards other religions,common people,races etc.KKK was a White Christian’s terrorist organization,Al-Qaeda one among The Muslim terrorist network,Hindus can also be terrorist many incidents that happened in India has shown that.Lets leave the world scenario,they might have their own reasons justifying themselves(-: But this shouldnt have done anyway, particularly in Kerala where its major religions like Christians,Muslims and Hindus coexist and are treated with equal respect.And that makes a Keralite special from the rest of the world.
!
Comment by Vishnu — October 29, 2010 @ 12:49 am
Religious fundamentalism is a like a cancer!it can spread and destroy the body unless we resort to proper treatment like radiation,chaemotherapy etc…..
Comment by Maneesh J — November 8, 2010 @ 12:25 pm