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After Waqf, it's Christians now': Rahul Gandhi, Kerala CM slam RSS article on Catholic church land

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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) recently stirred controversy with an article questioning the land holdings of the Catholic Church in India, particularly in Kerala. The article, published in an RSS-affiliated magazine, argued that the Church controls vast amounts of land and suggested that such holdings should be scrutinized and possibly redistributed for public welfare. This has drawn sharp criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who accused the RSS of targeting minority communities in a divisive manner.  

RSS Article Sparks Backlash**  
The RSS article claimed that the Catholic Church in Kerala owns extensive land, which it allegedly uses for "commercial and political purposes" rather than religious or charitable activities. The piece called for government intervention to regulate or reclaim such lands, comparing the issue to previous debates over Waqf properties owned by Muslim institutions.  

This argument follows a pattern where right-wing groups have questioned land ownership by minority religious institutions, often framing it as a threat to equitable land distribution. Earlier, the RSS and BJP had raised concerns about Waqf properties, leading to legal and political disputes. Now, the focus has shifted to Christian institutions, particularly in Kerala, where the Church holds significant social and economic influence.  

Rahul Gandhi's Response**  
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the RSS's stance, stating, *"First, it was the Waqf properties, and now it's the Christian lands. The RSS wants to create divisions and take control of properties belonging to minorities."* He accused the Sangh Parivar of pursuing a majoritarian agenda by undermining the rights of religious minorities. Gandhi, who represents Kerala’s Wayanad in Parliament, has consistently positioned himself as a defender of minority rights, and his remarks align with the Congress party’s criticism of the BJP’s policies.  

*Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s Strong Opposition**  
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a prominent Left leader, also slammed the RSS article, calling it an attempt to polarize society. He stated that the Church's land holdings were acquired legally and that any move to question them was an attack on religious freedom. Vijayan emphasized that Kerala has a long tradition of communal harmony and warned against forces trying to disrupt it.  

*"The RSS is trying to replicate its divisive politics in Kerala, but the people will reject such agendas,"* Vijayan said. His government has previously clashed with the BJP over issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and alleged attempts to interfere in state matters.  

Broader Political Implications**  
The controversy comes ahead of crucial elections, including the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where Kerala remains a key battleground. The BJP has been trying to expand its influence in the state, but its efforts have often been met with resistance from both the Congress and the Left. By targeting Christian institutions, the RSS risks alienating Kerala’s significant Christian population, which has traditionally supported either the Congress or the Left.  

Christian groups in Kerala have also reacted strongly, with Church leaders asserting that their land holdings are used for educational, healthcare, and charitable purposes. They argue that any move to seize or regulate these lands would harm social welfare activities.  

Conclusion** 
 
The RSS’s latest article has reignited debates over religious land ownership and minority rights in India. While the Sangh Parivar frames the issue as one of equitable distribution, critics see it as part of a larger strategy to marginalize minority communities. With political leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Pinarayi Vijayan pushing back, the controversy is likely to escalate, further polarizing the discourse around land, religion, and governance in India.

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