Very high expectations about new UDF govt: Church heads

Kottayam/Kochi: The expectations and hopes that people have for the newly sworn-in state govt are very high, said Yuhanon Mar Diascoros metropolitan, head of the media department of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. "The govt should be able to work by upholding justice and truth in line with the people's wishes. There is no complaint about the absence of Malankara Church members in the cabinet. Our country has various religions, churches and communities. If we start demanding ministers from all of them, we would need to appoint all 140 members as ministers," the metropolitan remarked.He said Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen should not be seen only as a church member. "He is the son of Oommen Chandy. He is a young leader who conducted an election campaign in a unique style and won by a huge majority. Leadership should consider the qualifications of those coming into leadership positions. The people who voted expected Oommen to become a minister," he added.Diascoros said court rulings in the church dispute should be followed. He said that the new govt is expected to be able to coordinate both parties by understanding the essence of the ruling in a way that does not harm either side. A delegation representing the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church attended the swearing-in ceremony.Meanwhile, catholicos Baselios Joseph of Jacobite Church said that the Church offers its full support, cooperation and prayers for all the good initiatives undertaken by the govt for the welfare and progress of the nation. A delegation of the Church led by the catholicos met chief minister V D Satheesan ahead of the swearing-in ceremony on Monday."We pray that the almighty's abundant blessings be upon the new govt as it works with dedication for the comprehensive development of our state and the well-being of its people," he said.TNN