The Left Government in Kerala on Friday asked a state-run akademi to review its decision honouring a cartoon depicting Bishop Franco Mullakal as a rooster and alluding to the charge of rape against him.
Cultural Affairs Minister A K Balan told the State Assembly that the Government is of the opinion that the cartoon has "hurt" the sentiments of the Christian community.
"The Government has already taken a stand that the akademi should review its decision," Balan said.
The cartoon titled 'Viswasam Rakshathi' (protection of faith) by K K Subhash of Chengalam and selected by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi for this years award, had appeared in a Malayalam magazine last year after Mullakal was accused of rape by a nun.
Showing Mullakal as a rooster, it also has a pink coloured lingerie in the crosier (staff), carried by a bishop as a symbol of the pastoral office, while a group of nuns is shown fleeing.
Replying to a submission by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala seeking review of the award, Balan said "Akademi is an autonomous cultural organisation under the state government. But the government does not interfere in its internal matters such as the awards and all.
However, this cartoon has hurt the sentiments of a section of believers," Balan said.
He said the cartoon was intended against Bishop Mullakal and not against the community. The cartoon includes certain religious symbols. We welcome the stand and suggestions of the Opposition.
