By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

A Catholic Church parish under the Syro-Malabar Church on Wednesday thwarted a BJP plan to organise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday celebration at a church in Idukki.

According to sources, the BJP Minority Morcha released a poster saying that a Holy Mass and a cake-cutting ceremony would be held at Muthalakkodom St. George Church under the Kothamangalam diocese in Idukki on Wednesday to mark Mr. Modi’s birthday.

The poster was released via social media and stated that BJP State vice-president Shone George and BJP Minority Morcha national vice-president Noble Mathew would be among those who would attend the programme.

However, vicar Father Sebastian Arolichalil issued a statement denouncing the notice circulating on social media. He said neither the church or the diocese had anything to do with it. The statement denied hosting any such function and condemned the poster featuring Muthalakkodom church.

The statement also accused the BJP of using the church for political gains and said it did not approve of such actions.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders claimed that they had paid money for the Holy Mass in the church. Seventy-five candles were lit near the church, and a cake was cut at Sanjo Bhavan, a priests’ retirement home near the church.

“The poster was circulated to help workers easily find the church, and there were no other intentions,” said a BJP leader.