Matters India Reporter
Kolkata, July 21, 2025: The arrest of Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis in Chhattisgarh has triggered a rare moment of bipartisan outrage, with leaders from across India’s political landscape denouncing the charges as fabricated and unconstitutional.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Wayanad MP, led a protest in Parliament, stating: “They were manhandled and accused of things they did not do. We demand an end to these atrocities against minorities.
Kodikunnil Suresh, Congress MP, blamed “right-wing elements” for orchestrating the arrest, calling it a “deliberate and calculated move.”
Bhupesh Baghel, former Chhattisgarh CM, condemned the arrests and confirmed that Congress had raised the issue in the Lok Sabha.
V.D. Satheesan, Kerala’s Leader of Opposition, warned of increasing attacks on Christian clergy and called for urgent intervention.
Left & LDF Leaders
Brinda Karat, CPI(M), called the arrest “unconstitutional and illegal,” and accused the BJP of “lawlessness” after being barred from meeting the nuns6.
M.A. Baby, CPI(M) General Secretary, stated: “We will not be cowed down. This is a desperate attempt to suppress the truth.”
Annie Raja (CPI) and Jose K Mani (Kerala Congress M) joined the delegation to Durg Jail, expressing solidarity and demanding justice7.
BJP Kerala Unit
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP Kerala President, rejected the Chhattisgarh CM’s allegations, saying: “No trafficking or conversion took place. We will ensure the nuns are brought home safely.”
Shone George, BJP Vice President, added: “If the nuns are innocent, we’ve made arrangements to ensure their safe return.”
Religious & Interfaith Leaders
Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, Kerala Muslim Jamat President, condemned the detention, warning it could erode India’s secular fabric.
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Thrissur, CBCI President, called the arrest a “blatant violation of religious freedom” and thanked lawmakers for raising the issue in Parliament.
This chorus of condemnation—from Left, Right, and Centre—underscores the gravity of the situation and the shared concern over the erosion of minority rights and constitutional safeguards.