Cong MLA takes on Church; party in damage control act

A day after one of its MLAs took on the Idukki Bishop in a Facebook post, the Congress party in Kerala went on damage control mode as it asked the MLA to refrain from similar remarks against the Church.

 V T Balram – an MLA from Thrithala in Palakkad district – had on Saturday posted on his Facebook page a message that slammed Idukki Bishop Mathew Anikuzhikattil over his criticism of the Congress when the party’s Idukki candidate Dean Kuriakose visited the Bishop for his support ahead of the April 10 Lok Sabha election.

Balram, without taking names, said it was unfortunate that certain regressive individuals could humiliate candidates who came seeking support in the election. 

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in Kottayam on Sunday that an explanation would be sought from Balram. 

“I don’t think Balram would make such a remark against the Bishop. If he has, he is wrong and will be asked to explain his action,”  Chandy said.

Without responding directly to the Bishop’s charges against the Congress – based on the party’s backing of the “anti-people” Kasturirangan panel report – Chandy said the Congress was a party that drew strength from diverse opinions and criticism. 

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president V M Sudheeran is learnt to have issued a warning against Balram. Reports said Balram’s remark was slammed during an election meeting here.