Kozhikode: With the IUML adamant on fielding its own candidate V.M. Ummer from Thiruvambadi despite the protest from the Catholic Church and its organisations, the Malayora Vikasana Samithy, the farmers’ organisation patronized by the Church, has threatened to field its candidates in eight constituencies.
The UDF had refused the demand of Thamarassery diocese and the Malayora Vikasana Samithy to field a Congress candidate in the constituency. The IUML leadership had said that the UDF government had done too much for satisfying the Church and that it would contest in the constituency.
Political observers feel that the Church would be able to garner some votes in the settler belts of Thiruvambadi, Koodaranji, Puthuppadi and Kodanchery in the constituency. The other constituencies under consideration by the Samithy are Perinthalmanna, Wandur, Nilambur, Eranad, Koduvalli, Nadapuram and Perambra.
In all these constituencies, the Samithy candidates may be able to upset the UDF apple cart in its citadels, it was pointed out. A large section of Congress workers also would vote for Samity candidate as they want to defeat the IUML candidate to ensure that they will be getting the seat at least next time, say Congress sources.
Samity chairman Chacko Kalamparambil told DC that the organisation was yet to finalize the candidates. “It was not the Thiruvambadi issue, but is a reaction to the ongoing neglect of farmers by political parties,” he said and added that it was time for the farmers to assert their strength.
Meanwhile, the LDF has conducted a series of talks with a section of Church leaders over the possible candidates to be fielded in the respective constituencies. The Catholic Church is cautious this time. Though Thamarassery diocese chancellor Fr Abraham Kavilpurayidam was present in the meeting with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on fielding a candidate favoured by the church in Thiruvambadi, he refused to have any role in the decision of the Samithy. The diocese has no role in the political discussions and is not connected with the decision of the Samithy, Fr Abraham Kavilpurayidam said.
The Thamarassery diocese had played a key role in organising the farmers of high ranges and also mobilising public opinion against the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports.
