Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol courted controversy on Saturday after her speech as a special guest at the general assembly of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council appeared to suggest that the Latin Catholic Church played a significant role in her selection for the post.
“If I am standing here today, it is because of the strong voice of the Latin community. My position as Kochi Mayor is proof that the community raised its voice for the community,” she was quoted as saying in a video footage of her speech. She further stated that the organisational strength of the Church helped challenge the precedent of positions being decided beyond merit. Ms. Minimol also said that the bishops had spoken in her favour and expressed her gratitude.
Later, Ms. Minimol clarified that her statement had been twisted to convey a meaning beyond her intent, which was simply to express general gratitude for the overall support she received from all quarters. “I expressed similar gratitude when visiting Sivagiri and the Nair Service Society, and that is only natural. It is like thanking voters. Since it was the general assembly of the KRLCC, where all 13 bishops were present, I chose to thank the community,” she explained.
Archbishop addresses row
Latin Church Archbishop Varghese Chackalakkal told the media that there is nothing wrong in recommending Ms. Minimol’s name for the Mayor’s post. He said that while it may not be right to say the Latin Church raised its voice, but we may have recommended her name. He said that there was nothing wrong in recommending a community member who is presented with an opportunity to grow.
The CPI(M) was quick to pounce to gain political mileage, with party district secretary S. Satish asserting that it was for Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan and Ernakulam District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas to reveal the truth. “When such an allegation was raised earlier, the opposition leader claimed that the selection of the mayoral candidate was a collective decision of the Congress party and that the party does not succumb to pressure from any community. The revelation of the party’s own leader only exposes the hypocrisy of that party and its leaders, including Satheesan and Shiyas,” he said.
When KPCC general secretary and councillor Deepthy Mary Varghese was overlooked in favour of Ms. Minimol and Shiny Mathew for a split term as mayor, reports suggested that the Latin Catholic Church had exerted influence in their favour. However, the Congress leadership, including Mr. Satheesan and Mr. Shiyas, dismissed the claims, insisting that the selection of the mayoral candidate was made according to KPCC guidelines and the majority opinion of elected councillors.
Ms. Varghese said she was unclear why the mayor had made such a statement or at whose behest. “The Congress party has always followed a secular and inclusive approach, embracing all religions and castes. If any individual or individuals have attempted to go beyond that approach, it is for the party to investigate. I have nothing further to say about it,” she remarked.
Published – January 10, 2026 05:00 pm IST
