Church has no candidate, believers can decide whom to vote for; won’t give instructions, says Alencherry

KOCHI: The church has no candidate in the Thrikkakkara bypolls, said Syro Malabar Church Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry. “The church does not field candidates in elections. The believers can decide whom to vote for in the Thrikkakkara bypolls. The church will not give instructions”, said the cardinal.

Earlier, criticisms were raised alleging that LDF candidate Dr Jo Joseph is the representative of the church. The chief minister himself had responded on the matter. “Jo Joseph is Sabha’s candidate. So am I. But, we are the candidates of the Niyamasabha (Legislative Assembly)”, said the chief minister.

Meantime, campaigns are intensifying in Thrikkakkara. UDF candidate Uma Thomas’ vehicle tour campaign will begin on Tuesday. LDF candidate Jo Joseph’s vehicle tour had begun the other day. NDA candidate A N Radhakrishnan is also continuing his poll campaigns in the constituency.