THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government is facing severe allegations of “betrayal” after failing to honor its promise to withdraw police cases filed against priests during the historic Vizhinjam port protests. Despite a personal assurance from the Chief Minister that legal proceedings would be dropped upon the conclusion of the agitation, at least 34 cases remain active, with the government reportedly pushing forward with legal actions.
Broken Promises and Double Standards
The protest, led by the Latin Catholic Archdiocese of Trivandrum against the Adani Port project, was called off following a series of discussions where the state government promised to settle the legal disputes. However, the latest reports indicate that while the case against the Archbishop was withdrawn, several other high-ranking clergy members remain on the accused list.
High-Ranking Clergy Still Under Investigation
The list of those still facing charges includes prominent figures such as:
- Bishop Christudas Rajappan: Auxiliary Bishop of the Latin Archdiocese.
- Msgr. Eugene Pereira: Vicar General and a key face of the Vizhinjam protest.
The failure to quash these FIRs has sparked fresh resentment within the coastal community and the church hierarchy. Many see this move as a strategic “trap” set by the government to maintain leverage over the protesting community.
Political Ripple Effects
The issue has quickly escalated into a major talking point in Kerala’s political landscape, especially with upcoming elections on the horizon. The Latin Catholic community, a significant voting bloc in the coastal regions, is reportedly disillusioned by the government’s backtrack.
As the 34 cases continue to move through the judicial process, the Archdiocese is reportedly considering its next steps. The “betrayal” over the Vizhinjam cases is likely to become a central theme in the political campaigns against the LDF government, with opposition leaders accusing Pinarayi Vijayan of using “use-and-throw” tactics with the fishing community.
