Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma on Friday questioned the intent behind Congress leaders’ protests over the arrest of two Kerala-based nuns, suggesting the agitation could be seen as an attempt to exert pressure on the judiciary.
“This issue is not related to politics or votes. Earlier, a Congress delegation had also met the nuns, and we facilitated that,” Sharma told ANI. “But now the question arises—are they trying to influence the court through such protests? The police acted in accordance with the law, and whether or not bail is granted is the court’s decision,” he added.
The two nuns were arrested on July 25 at Durg Railway Station on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. The incident has triggered widespread political and religious outrage, particularly in Kerala.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) condemned the arrests, claiming the women had valid consent from parents and were assaulted during their detention.
Both Kerala’s ruling LDF and Opposition UDF slammed the BJP-led Chhattisgarh government, accusing it of infringing on religious freedoms.
Interestingly, Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar also supported the nuns, stating he did not believe they were involved in forced conversions.
In Delhi, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called the arrests a “grave injustice,” asserting that the nuns were merely helping tribal girls find employment in the city. “This is not right. Despite widespread objection, they remain behind bars. Even the Kerala BJP is now trying to secure bail for them,” Tharoor said.
Congress MP Jebi Mather echoed similar sentiments, terming the charges as a “gross injustice.” She highlighted that Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and KC Venugopal, have actively raised the issue through protests, letters, and parliamentary interventions.
As the political storm intensifies, legal proceedings continue, with the matter now drawing national attention over questions of religious freedom, judicial independence, and political accountability.
