With Kerala heading into a tightly packed election season that includes local body polls followed by Assembly elections, concerns over political representation have intensified within the Christian community, particularly the Syro-Malabar Church. The increasingly polarised political climate in the state, along with the growing presence of the BJP, has led to renewed discussions within the community about its role and influence in mainstream politics.

Following the demise of prominent Christian leaders such as Oommen Chandy and K. M. Mani, sections within the community feel their access to key political decision-making spaces has weakened. As the Congress-led UDF works to finalise candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections, Church leadership is said to be closely tracking the process and seeking clearer representation within the alliance.

Sources indicate that dissatisfaction with the approach of successive LDF governments has strengthened the Church’s preference for a change in power. In this context, efforts are being made to ensure that community interests are reflected in the UDF’s candidate list. After an unsuccessful attempt to increase its influence by facilitating the return of the Kerala Congress (M) to the UDF, Church leaders are now understood to be exerting pressure during seat allocation discussions.

It is learnt that dioceses including Thamarassery, Kothamangalam, Changanassery and Ernakulam have conveyed their preferences to the Congress leadership. The Church is said to have sought Syro-Malabar representation in constituencies such as Ettumanoor in Kottayam district, Kothamangalam, Perumbavoor, Kochi and Vypeen in Ernakulam district, and Thiruvambady in Kozhikode district.

However, practical constraints within the alliance have limited the Congress’s options. Thiruvambady is currently allotted to the IUML, while Kothamangalam, held by Kerala Congress, is reportedly being considered for a Jacobite candidate. Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan is said to favour the candidature of Mohammed Shiyas in Kochi,

Meanwhile, in the ongoing seat-sharing talks, the Kerala Congress faction led by P. J. Joseph has agreed to give up two constituencies — Idukki and Ettumanoor — to the Congress, and will contest in eight seats. Party chairman Joseph is expected to announce candidates shortly, with indications that his son Apu John Joseph, currently serving as the party’s state coordinator, may be fielded from Thodupuzha.