Latin Church controversy: Mayoral post was given considering seniority and ability; VK Minimol flips stance

KOCHI: Kochi Mayor VK Minimol has come out with an explanation after her statement that the Latin Church had actively intervened for her to get the mayor's post became controversial. Minimol said that what she delivered was an emotional reaction and that all organisations and individuals had helped her. VK Minimol clarified that the party had given her the mayor's post, considering her seniority and capability.

Minimol had said at the KRLCC general assembly that the mayoral post she received was proof that the strong voice of the Latin community had been heard. Minimol said that the bishops of the church had spoken for her and that the community had been able to prove its organisational strength when the positions were decided. It was on this statement that the mayor came out with an explanation.

"If I am standing in this position today, it is a testament to the strong voice of the Latin church in the community. Our organisational strength was able to raise our voice when deserving positions were being decided. The bishops of the church spoke on my behalf. I believe that the voice raised from the church received a proper answer," Minimol said.

Opposition Leader VD Satheesan had earlier clarified that there would be no communal interference in the elections for the post of Mayor or other crucial positions in the Congress. However, what emerges from Minimol's words are indications that the Latin community had made a strong claim for the post of Kochi mayor.