Pathanamthitta: CPI(M) MLA from Aranmula, Veena George, has publicly backed the Orthodox faction in the ongoing feud between Orthodox and Jacobite factions of Malankara Christians. Recently, the Supreme Court had given a favourable ruling for the Orthodox faction, however, the communist government had delayed the execution of the apex court’s order in fear of losing the support of Jacobite church.
However, Veena George has now come out open in support of the Orthodox church and said that the injustice to the Orthodox faction can only end by executing the Supreme court order. She chose to back the Orthodox faction during the annual meet of the Thumbamon Diocese.
This is the first time that the ruling party MLA is openly announcing her backing to a faction. Though, the Orthodox faction has welcomed her decision, the Jacobite faction said that it is not right for a representative to support one faction.
During the Chengannur by-election, the government had said that the Supreme Court order would be executed. However, after the election the government backtracked from their promise.
They jumped into action only when the Supreme Court gave a serious dressing down to the Kerala government. The court even threatened to jail the Chief Secretary if the order was not executed.
Today’s public support of Veena George to Orthodox faction is believed to have been prompted by the coming by election in Pala constituency where the Orthodox faction has a strong vote share.
Veena George had till recently been silent about the court order and had not made any public announcement. However, she was very vocal in executing the Supreme Court order on women entry to the holy shrine of Sabarimala.
Notable, it took a by-election in Pala constituency for Veena George to say that the apex court order must be followed.
