Thiruvananthapuram – M.V. Govindan, the state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), has launched a blistering attack on Father Varghese Pamplany, the Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Thalassery, labeling him an “opportunist” and stating that no one else speaks as “strongly of opportunism.” The criticism comes amidst a heated political and religious debate over recent statements made by Pamplany.
Govindan’s remarks were made during a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, where he was responding to Pamplany’s call for a “Congress-led front” in the upcoming elections. Pamplany, who is also the president of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), had suggested that Christian communities might be better served by a front led by the Congress party, a statement that has been widely interpreted as a political endorsement.
“Pamplany is an opportunist.
There is no one who speaks so strongly of opportunism as he does,” Govindan stated emphatically. He accused Pamplany of engaging in a political game and of trying to use his religious position to influence voters. “The Congress is a party that is aligned with the BJP’s policies at the national level. How can an alliance with them be a solution for the people?” Govindan questioned.
The CPI(M) leader’s criticism is the latest in a series of exchanges that have escalated the political tensions in the state. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has been at loggerheads with some sections of the Catholic Church over a variety of issues, including land controversies and education policies.
Pamplany’s recent comments are seen as a move to bring together different Christian denominations under a single political banner, a strategy that could potentially shift a significant vote bank. However, Govindan warned that the people of Kerala would not be swayed by such “opportunistic politics” and that they are aware of the “ulterior motives” behind such calls.
The CPI(M) leader also took the opportunity to reiterate the LDF’s commitment to protecting the rights of all religious communities and accused the Congress of a “soft Hindutva” approach that aligns with the BJP’s policies. “The LDF is the only alternative to the BJP, and we will not allow anyone to divide the people with opportunistic politics,” he concluded.
