Catholic Priest Criticizes Tharoor, Deepika Over Emergency Article

Swift Summary

• Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP, wrote a Malayalam article on the Emergency, published in Deepika, a daily run by the Catholic church.
• Fr. Jose Vallikkatt criticized Tharoor’s article, calling the Emergency a dark phase but alleging that Tharoor ignored today’s “undeclared Emergency” adn praised it.
• Vallikkatt claimed India is heading toward “a monolithic right-wing Hindu fascist State” with silencing of dissenting voices. He accused certain Church members and media of aiding BJP for electoral gain.
• Fr. Tom Olikkarott of Syro-Malabar Church stated that the editorial board of Deepika acted independently while publishing content and affirmed no favoritism toward political parties by the church.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Shashi tharoor’s reflections on past events such as the Emergency have resurfaced debates over its relevance to present-day politics in India. Fr. Vallikkatt’s criticism underlines concerns from parts of civil society about alleged curbs on dissent and authoritarian tendencies in contemporary governance, raising broader questions about democratic safeguards in India today.

The independent position taken by Deepika’s editorial board shows autonomy within faith-based organizations while highlighting ongoing scrutiny over perceived political affiliations or agendas tied to institutional actors like religious bodies or media outlets.

This case reflects complex intersections between religion, politics, and media in India’s democratic discourse-a sensitive area requiring nuanced engagement to preserve democratic values without polarizing stakeholders further.

Read more: The Hindu