KOTTAYAM: The controversies over the candidature of KC (M) candidate Joseph M. Puthussery in Thiruvalla may damage his prospects as there is now a clear division along religious lines for and against him. Although Mr P.J. Kurian, Congress leader and Rajya Sabaha deputy chairman, has toned down his opposition to Mr Puthussery, LDF candidate Mathew T. Thomas, a Marthomite, has benefited from the issue.
Moreover, it is speculated that Mr Kurien raked up the row with an eye on the Thiruvalla seat as he wants to return to state politics after his tenure in the Rajya Sabha ends. By ensuring the defeat of the KC(M) candidate for the third time in a row, he wants to get the seat for the Congress, it is said.
The row was resolved after the intervention of the Orthodox Church which asked Mr Kurian, a Marthomite, to stop his moves against Mr Puthussery, who is a member of the Orthodox Church. The bickering has virtually divided the members of the Orthodox and Mar Thoma churches, which are equally strong numerically in the constituency.
Moreover, it is said that a section of the Congress party led by Mr Kurian and a section of the KC (M) led by Mr Victor T. Thomas, KC(M) district president and former candidate in Thiruvalla, will work against the candidate discreetly.
“There will be a Mar Thoma consolidation in favour of the LDF candidate, who is the son of a Mar Thoma priest,” said sources. Mar Thoma Church Metropolitan, Joseph Mar Thoma, had initially said that those who engaged in rebel activities should not be given seats. He later withdrew that statement.
It is after the Metropolitan expressed his opinion that Mr Kurian pressed for a change though a few months ago he had written a letter to KC (M) chief K.M. Mani asking him not to give the seat to Mr Puthussery. Raju Pulimpally,a Orthodox church member is also a rebel candidate in the constituency spoiling Puthusserys chances thereby splitting Orthodox votes.
