Kochi, 10 Jan (H.S.):Kochi Corporation Mayor V.K. Minimoĺ has publicly acknowledged that the support of the Latin Catholic community played a decisive role in her elevation to the mayor’s post, amid earlier uncertainty and internal differences within the UDF over the selection.
Initially, the UDF had projected Deepthi Mary Varghese, a KPCC general secretary, as its choice for mayor. However, the decision was later revised, with Minimoĺ being appointed to the post. Following this, there was widespread speculation that Minimoĺ had secured the mayoralty with the backing of the Latin Catholic Church.
Speaking at the general assembly of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLC), Minimoĺ appeared to confirm these claims. “If I am standing here today, it is because of the firm and united voice of the Latin community,” she said. According to her, her position as Kochi Mayor stands as proof that the community’s collective voice was effectively raised within society. She added that when decisions are made beyond mere merit, the organisational strength of the community made it possible to assert that voice. Minimoĺ also noted that priests had spoken on her behalf and expressed gratitude to church leaders, describing her appointment as clear evidence of the community’s organisational strength.
Responding to the remarks, Varghese Chakkalakkal, president of the KRLC, said there was nothing inappropriate in Minimoĺ’s statement. He observed that the Church may have supported her and that offering support to help someone progress is not wrong. He added that the community may have spoken up for its rightful representation.
Meanwhile, Sherry J. Thomas, president of the Kerala Latin Catholic Association, clarified that while the community may have articulated its claim for due representation, it was not an act of pressure.
Echoing similar views, Joseph Jude, vice-president of the KRLC, told the media that there was nothing wrong in what the Kochi Mayor had said. He explained that the Latin community had merely conveyed its aspirations for representation to political leaders. “This was not pressure, but a legitimate demand for representation,” he said, adding that in a democracy, only those who raise their voices are heard. Jude also noted that the community would continue to speak up for its rightful representation, as political parties cannot be expected to act on their own without being reminded.
The episode has once again brought into focus the role of community voices and representation in political decision-making within urban local bodies.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
