Church tight-lipped on K M Mani moves

Thiruvananthapuram: The Catholic Church, ofen considered as the force behind the Kerala Congress, is keeping  a studied silence on the KC(M) move  to leave the UDF and join the saffron camp. While the Pala archdiocese officials are tight-lipped on Mr K.M. Mani’s plans,  sources close to Pala Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt said Mr Mani would  adopt  a ‘pragmatic’ approach  suited for the party’s interests.

Mr Mani is currently at Christeen Retreat Centre at Kalathipady in Kottayam  and  he is sure to come out rejuvenated, say party sources.  When Mr Mani decided to merge with the P. J. Joseph faction after he left the LDF a few years ago, he had been on a ‘silent mode’ at the Divine Retreat Centre at Muringoor, Potta.

“Mani will not discuss anything  with Pala Bishop Kallarangatt before taking a political decision. Mani might inform him of his prty’s decision at a later stage. Whatever action Mani takes will be the collective decision of KC (M),”   Father Mathew Chadrankunnel, spokesperson of Syro-Malabar diocese told  DC. Another senior priest told DC that the Pala Bishop might have advised him on what is best for KC (M).

“But now when Mani is directly ‘talking’ to God on the party’s  move to sit as a separate block in the Assembly, not even the Bishop can  intervene,”  quipped the priest. The priests close to Mr Mani feel  that the chances of him tying up with the Left are high. DC had earlier reported that Mr Mani’s plans to ditch the UDF had not worked out due to the intervention of P. J. Joseph and Mons Joseph.

“Joseph has now decided to abide by what Mani says. Mons Joseph will also support Joseph as without the help of Mani,  he cannot win from his seat.  Mani’s native place Marangattupilly comes under the Kaduthuruthy constituency. Also, former MLA Stephen George is ready to represent the constituency next time”, said a KC (M) source.