The Syro-Malabar Church has distanced itself from the controversies regarding the selection of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate for the Thrikkakara Assembly byelection.
The allegation that the Church and its Major Archbishop Mar George Alenchery had influenced the selection of CPI(M) candidate Jo Jacob is baseless. The allegation is the handiwork of some vested interest groups, said a statement issued by Fr. Alex Onampally, secretary of the Syro-Malabar Media Commission, here on Friday.
Various political fronts identify their candidates for polls in accordance with their political positions. The aim of the groups with vested interests in spreading baseless allegations regarding the candidature is understandable. The voters of the Thrikkakara constituency, who have a clear social and political understanding, will approach the bypoll in a democratic manner, said the statement.
The Congress alleged a “conspiracy” behind picking Dr. Joseph as the LDF candidate, a claim outrightly rejected by the CPI(M)-led front. A day after the CPI(M) announced the candidature of Mr. Joseph, a well-known cardiologist with a hospital run by the Syro-Malabar Church, the Congress questioned the criteria adopted by the Left for his selection after it had reportedly considered K.S. Arunkumar, a member of the CPI(M) district committee, initially. "You should find out the conspiracy behind the fielding of this candidate," Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan told reporters here.
CPI(M) leader and Minister P. Rajeeve said the Congress leader became scared after the Left fielded an efficient candidate in Thrikkakara.
(with input from PTI)
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