Arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh: Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar meets Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath

Amid the furore over the arrest of two Keralite nuns in Chhattisgarh, BJP Kerala State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar held a closed-door meeting with Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) president and Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath at the Archdiocese headquarters in Thrissur, Kerala, on Friday (August 1, 2025) morning.

The meeting, which lasted over 30 minutes, was also attended by Auxiliary Bishop Tony Neelankavil and focussed on the legal and humanitarian response to the arrests. According to sources, the discussion primarily focussed on the legal matters related to the bail plea of the arrested nuns and the Central government’s stance on the issue, including assurances received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

‘Deeply pained and outraged

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath said: “We are deeply pained and outraged over the arrest of the nuns. Our foremost demand is that they be released as soon as possible. We have conveyed this concern to leaders of all political parties, including the BJP. I am glad that Mr. Chandrasekhar responded swiftly and took immediate action.”

He stressed the “need for justice and security” for minorities in the country. “We must have the freedom to live as Indian citizens without fear. Attacks against Christians are increasing, and we have made this clear to the BJP leadership. Minorities in India must be given the opportunity to live freely and securely,” he said.

Expressing appreciation for the meeting, the Archbishop added: “We are thankful to Mr. Chandrasekhar for coming here to discuss what the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have conveyed. It’s a welcome gesture. We reiterate that the nuns have not engaged in any religious conversion, and we urge everyone to work together to prevent further attacks and injustices against minorities.”

Don’t politicise the issue: Chandrasekhar

Speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Chandrasekhar confirmed that he had been actively involved in addressing the case since he was first contacted by the Church. “The moment the Archbishop called and requested help after the arrests, we have been on the case. We are making every effort to resolve the matter swiftly.”

He revealed that the Chhattisgarh government is not opposing the bail application, and added: “The Prime Minister has assured that the bail process will not be hindered. But don’t ask me the exact day bail will be granted — there are legal procedures to follow.”

Dismissing accusations of politicisation, Mr. Chandrasekhar stated: “This issue should never be politicised. The BJP is not viewing this politically. We don’t help people based on religion or politics. Helping those in need is in our DNA.”

Slams Opposition

Taking a veiled dig at Opposition parties, he said: “Some people are playing political drama outside jails, while our focus is to address the Church’s concerns urgently. It is not our job to investigate why the nuns took the children and where.”

“Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are sensitive States. The BJP is not responsible for the Anti-Conversion Bill passed there. The police have acted under the Private Placement Agency Regulation Act, citing procedural violations. No hearing on the bail plea has taken place yet,” said Mr. Chandrasekhar.

He also mentioned that BJP leader Shone George has gone to Delhi to help coordinate the Church’s concerns with the Central government.

The meeting has come at a critical juncture as the arrests have sparked anger among Christian communities across the country. The outreach from the BJP, particularly through direct engagement with Church leaders, is being seen as an attempt to contain the fallout.