It may not be as easy for Union Minister K V Thomas in Ernakulam as is widely perceived. Even as the sitting MP enjoys huge support across the constituency, a crucial Latin Catholic factor could play spoilsport for him. Though the LDF hasn’t officially announced it yet, the candidature of former diplomat Christy Fernandez for Ernakulam is almost confirmed.
Weeks before reports of his candidature began to surface, Christy was a regular face in the Latin Catholic programmes. He was part of the meeting of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) held as part of its Jana Jagarana Jatha at Kottapuram on February 1.
“My candidature has not been finalised. Also the Jatha was held much before any talks in this regard,” maintained Christy Fernandez. Interestingly, on Sunday the CPM district committee has come out against his candidature. KRLCC’s Jana Jagarana Jatha was organised raising various demands. At its conclusion, Archbishop M Soosai Pakiam had declared that the Latin Catholic Community will have an issue-based, value-based approach in the coming Lok Sabha polls.
Christy Fernandez was also seen as close to the community leaders.
“There were some indications about he being viewed as the Left candidate form Ernakulam. He’s a well-wisher and has always been there. However, even his opponent K V Thomas attended the Jatha in Kochi on February 9. So far, the community or Church leaders haven’t given any explicit message in this regard,” revealed sources. As of now, the Latin Catholics are not very happy with the UDF and sitting MP K V Thomas, as they feel that the community has not been given its due. “The community has always been supportive of the Congress, right from its formation. But so far, they haven’t been given any substantial administrative post or benefits. Even after K V Thomas won the polls, the community was ignored. Presently, there are not many Latin Catholic functionaries within the party,” said a top community leader on condition of anonymity.
A crucial meeting of KRLCC’s political committee to be held here on March 15 gains significance in this regard. The meeting, to be attended by Archbishop of Verapoly Francis Kallarackal and Latin Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram M Soosai Pakiam, along with the heads of Latin Catholic associations, will be a forum to discuss the current political situation.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Latin Catholic Association said the community has certain issued which need to be addressed. “We have always maintained an equidistant stance during elections. However, there are certain crucial issues related to the norms of the Coastal Regulation Zone, that need to be addressed. Though the state government has relaxed three notifications in this regard, the final call should be taken by the Centre. As far as the community is concerned, this issue would be reflected in the polls,” pointed out Shaji George, president of the Kerala Latin Catholic Association.
Sitting MP and Congress candidate K V Thomas, however, remains hopeful that there are many deciding factors when it comes to a cosmopolitan city like Kochi.
“Christy Fernandez’ candidature comes in the wake of certain specific situations. In Kochi, votes are polled not only on community lines. The voters know me for what I have done. It’s not for the first time that I am facing such opposition. In an earlier instance also, an Archbishop had come out against my candidature,” said a confident K V Thomas.