IDUKKI: The Idukki archdiocese has expressed dissatisfaction over the High Range Samrakshana Samithi's (HRSS) move to support LDF in the assembly elections. While the Idukki bishop, Catholic church and the Samithi had jointly supported the LDF during parliament election in 2014, the archdiocese has however expressed silence on its allegiance this time.
It is learnt that the church is visibly unhappy over the open support the samithi had extended to the LDF . Also, there were reports that Fr Sebastian Kochupurackal, the general convener of the samithi, was warned by Idukki bishiop Mar Mathew Anikuzhikkattil over the move.
A senior priest in Idukki archdiocese, Fr Philip Perunat, had published a notice two months ago alleging that Fr Kochupurackal was trying to guide the Idukki archdiocese to the LDF fold. “The samithi and priests leading it are not supposed to play politics. This time we cannot allow it,“ said Fr Perunat.
However, the church has denied any internal dispute.“The Idukki archdiocese has not taken any political stand regarding the assembly elections. I don't know any incident of war ning given to Fr Kochupurackal,“said Idukki archdiocese PRO Fr Jose Karivelikkal.
“As a priest I've not taken any political stand in the election but the samithi is lending an open support to the Left. We have also cited the reasons for it. The UDF has betrayed the people in Kasturirangan and pattayam issues. Also, the allegation that the bishop has warned me is wrong,“ said Fr Kochupurackal.