KOTTAYAM: As the state is in the throes of an election season, marked by local body and assembly elections in quick succession, the Christian community, especially the Syro-Malabar Church, appears to be increasingly insecure than ever. The state’s increasingly polarised political landscape, influenced by the growing presence of BJP, have placed the Christian political engagement at a crossroads.
Having lost the connect with the corridors of power following the passing of prominent Christian leaders like Oommen Chandy and K M Mani, the community appears to be seeking a direct involvement in UDF politics. As Congress and UDF scramble to finalise candidates for assembly elections, the Church is closely monitoring developments, eager to see if their demands are met.
Highly dissatisfied with the kind of consideration it received from successive LDF governments, the Church badly wishes for a change of guard this time.
The Church, which wants the UDF to return, is therefore making a move to ensure its clear representation this time. Following an unsuccessful attempt to bolster its influence within the UDF by bringing back the Kerala Congress (M) into the coalition, the Church has applied significant pressure on the Congress during the candidate selection process. According to sources in the Church, the dioceses of Thamarassery, Kothamangalam, Changanassery, and Ernakulam have already communicated their candidate preferences to the Congress leadership.
The Church has requested the Congress field Syro-Malabar candidates in the Ettumanoor assembly constituency in Kottayam district as well as in Kothamangalam, Perumbavoor, Kochi, and Vypeen in Ernakulam district, and Thiruvambady in Kozhikode district.
However, the Congress is unable to contest Thiruvambady, which is currently with the Muslim League. A Jacobite candidate is being considered for Kothamangalam, which is held by the Kerala Congress. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan is reportedly supporting the candidacy of Mohammed Shiyas in the Kochi constituency.
The Church is also expressing significant dissatisfaction with the Congress for ignoring its demands. “The people of Kerala are seeking a change of government this time. However, if the Congress continues to overlook the concerns of micro-minorities within the minority group, the UDF may face repercussions,” a senior priest said.
KC (Joseph) cedes two seats to Congress
Kerala Congress led by P J Joseph has agreed to compromise in the seat-sharing talks, ceding two seats to the Congress -- Idukki and Ettumanoor. With this, the Joseph faction will contest in eight seats. Even as party chairman P J Joseph is slated to announce party candidates on Tuesday, it is confirmed that Joseph’s son Apu John Joseph will contest from Thodupuzha. Apu is currently serving as the party’s state coordinator.