KOCHI: Thrikkakara UDF candidate P.T. Thomas still stands by his controversial pro-Gadgil report for protecting the Western Ghats. The support he extended to the report as Idukki MP had invited the ire of Idukki bishop Mathew Anikkuzhikkattil which led to the denial of seat to Thomas in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
“I don’t think that there is any need to change the stand now. I had favoured the Gadgil report to protect the air, water and land for the current and future generations. In fact, Pope Francis too has sought to protect the environment vindicating my position,” Thomas told DC on Saturday.
He also said that the Pope’s latest book ‘Laudato Si’ (Praise Be to You) is a more powerful document than the Gadgil report in speaking for the environment. “I hope the Church in Kerala will listen to the message by the Pope,” Thomas said.
Interestingly, the Syro-Malabar Church, which bishop Mathew Anikkuzhikkattil represents, now says that it is not interested in raking up the issue against Thomas. Church spokesperson Fr Jimmy Poochakkatt told DC that the Church had decided not to make any comment on the issue in this election and also won’t comment whether it was right or wrong on the part of UDF to make Thomas a candidate in Thrikkakara.
Bishop Anikkuzhikkattil was unavailable for comments and his secretary said that the bishop had made clear that he wouldn’t comment on the matter. Eminent environmentalist Prof S. Seetharaman supported Thomas and said, “it is heartening to see Thomas sticking to his principles despite setbacks unlike many other politicians. One hopes that he continues to do so in future as well,” Seetharaman said.
