Church alleges ‘last-minute manipulation’ behind denial of Cabinet berth; V.D. Satheeshan government launches damage-control exercise as Latin Catholic leadership intensifies protest over being sidelined despite hopes of ministerial representation till the final stages of Cabinet formation. Fr. Manoj publicly expressed the Church’s anger and disappointment, stating that “somebody manipulated” the process that denied the community a berth in the new ministry.
His statement reflected the growing sense of resentment, despair and protest within the Latin Catholic Church, which remained hopeful of securing a Cabinet berth until the very last moment of the government formation process. The sudden exclusion was a like a bolt from the blue and has left the community feeling wounded and politically sidelined, with Fr. Manoj alleging that the Church was pushed to this predicament, thanks to somebody’s manipulations.
All are aware that Congress could not ignore the Muslim League’s demand for the ‘5th minister’. Because, their alternative demand was Deputy Chief Ministership.
If one goes back to the past, even a stalwart like late Congress strongman Oommen Chandy, the former chief minister, had to bow down before Muslim League when they demanded a ‘5th minister’ in April 2012, let alone a young blood like Satheeshan !
This time, after 2026 victory in Assembly elections, Muslim League’s tally is 22 in the 102 strong UDF (Congress-led United Democratic Front) legislative party. And, Muslim League claims that but for their support, 30 Congress MLAs could not have romped home.
Fr. Manoj made it clear that The Church would continue its protests and anxiety until solutions are ironed out.
Meanwhile, Muslim Minister E.V. Abdul Gafoor and Congress leaders have started the fire fighting mission. Fr. Manoj’s reaction came close on the heels of Abdul Gafoor’s meeting with the Church leadership. Gafoor said that his visit was quite natural and it was a courtesy one. He added that the government tries to take all along together.
Since the Latin Church’s discontent has come to the public’s attention, UDF leadership is out for urgent damage control. Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan, Congress leaders including ministers K. Muraleedharan and C.P. John, have already held discussions with the top brass of the Latin Church. More such attempts are expected in the days to come.
Latin Christian votes are decisive for Congress/UDF and even for CPM/LDF. Latin Christians generally live in the coastal belt of Keralam. Therefore, naturally their votes are significant in such areas for every contender. Congress wins Ernakulam Parliamentary constituency, the business capital of the state, with the support of Latin votes. So, the political observers are too inquisitive to see what steps Congress/UDF are going to take in the coming days.
