Kochi, 08 January(HS): V D Satheeshan, Leader of Opposition, Kerala Legislative Assembly, called on Major Archbishop Raphel Thattil, head of the Syro-Malabar Church late Wednesday at the latter’s palace in a Kochi suburb.
Although the meeting was held secretly, with Satheeshan travelling in a private limousine and wearing dark glasses, the special branch of the Kerala Police discovered the secret mission carried out by the Congress leader and the Church head.
Since the honeymoon between the BJP and the Church ended on a sour note, the Congress is going all out to woo the entire Christian community in the State in the run up to the legislative assembly election to be held shortly.
The recent attacks on Christian establishments and the opposition of various Hindu organisations against forced and coercive religious conversion in multiple parts of the country came up for discussion between Raphel Thattil and Satheesh.
Most of the archbishops and bishops were present during the secret parley held at Kochi. The meeting was reportedly on the directive of top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, who enjoys a close rapport with Cardinals and Archbishops of the Church.
Sources close to Satheesh said that he had assured all help to the evangelists to convert people to Christianity and plant crosses across the State.
The Congress leadership camp being held at Kochi will chalk out a blueprint for winning 110 of the 140 constituencies that are in stake.
The GOP will give preference to young and glamorous candidates owing allegiance to the party. Names that are under consideration include movie maker Ramesh Pisharady, actors Tovino Varghese, Aju Varghese and other such personalities.
Interestingly, the BJP has come to the realisation that the Christian community did not vote for the party in the recently held election to the Local Self Government Institutions. The BJP failed to win even a single panchayat or Municipality in Central Kerala which has a considerable Christian population.
Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti
