What sort of message is India sending by picking a politician allegedly involved in a rape case as its representative at Pope Francis’ formal enthronement at a mass at St. Peter’s Square today? A nation of a billion-plus people could have chosen any one of the many Catholics in high-ranking positions who would have been honoured to lead India’s delegation at the ceremony where the new Pope will be anointed, possibly in his predecessor’s presence, making it a unique event.
To have a politician allegedly involved in the rape of a Catholic teenager at the Vatican on such a day shows insensitivity of the most undiplomatic kind. P.J. Kurien, deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha, was acquitted in a trial eight years ago and is not only presumed innocent of the charge, but also legally so. Nevertheless, his presence at the Vatican, watched by the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, could have been avoided had the government been clear-thinking enough.
Given the sharp rhetoric of Kerala politics, Opposition leaders have already started attacking the government for its inappropriate choice. The schoolgirl’s family is also questioning it, which means the global media is sure to play up the story. India surely does not need any more swipes at its international image at this point, when crimes against women across the country dominate the headlines both at home and around the world.