Despite direct appeals from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is facing significant hurdles in its attempts to win over the Christian community as elections draw near. A recent meeting of Episcopal Churches in Pala unequivocally rejected the State government’s proposal to extend Supreme Court relaxations, previously granted to Nair Service Society (NSS) managements, to other aided schools.
Convened by Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt, the influential meeting demanded the immediate appointment of differently abled candidates, advocating for processes that bypass lengthy court procedures. The gathering saw active participation from key leaders, including the Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, representatives from the Mar Thoma Church, and bishops from the Jacobite Syrian Church, Syro-Malankara Church, Knanaya Catholic Church, CSI, Knanaya Jacobite Church, and Chaldean Church.
Demands for the Koshy Report
The ecumenical assembly also voiced strong condemnation against any attempts to reduce the autonomy of minority institutions in selecting teachers through interviews. Furthermore, the Churches pressed for the swift release of the Justice J.B. Koshy Commission report, a document that has been inexplicably stalled for two years.
This firm and united stance by the Christian Churches has undoubtedly caught the LDF off guard, particularly its ally, the Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)]. An LDF leader commented on the situation: “Numerous petitions are still pending in the Supreme Court regarding the implementation of reservations for differently abled candidates, even after the NSS secured a favorable order. The government cannot proceed without explicit court approval. Christian managements are wary of an adverse ruling should they pursue further legal action.”
The ruling coalition is also reportedly exercising extreme caution regarding the release of the Koshy report, which remains under review. There is palpable concern that its findings could trigger additional political complications.
However, leaders within the KC(M) sought to minimize the gravity of the situation, with a party source stating, “Decisions concerning teacher appointments have already been made, and any outstanding issues raised by the Christian managements will be addressed.”