The Church’s main grouse is what they see as government meddling in minority institutions, a big sector in Kerala, and hence something directly undermining its economic independence. Influential Archbishop Soosaipakiam says there is a belief that the Left is promoting atheism and "spawning the seeds of sexual anarchy among the young". The battle has become particularly heated in the last two months. The Christian clergy has issued several rounds of pastoral letters during Mass on Sundays, asking the flock to beware of the commies. Under the circumstances, there will be no need for the customary pre-poll sermon about who to favour in the event of a mid-term poll. Moreover, the anti-US stand of the Left may please Muslims, but cuts no ice with the Christian community.
So no surprises why the Congress is all smiles. Opposition leader Oommen Chandy quips: "The people will give the Left a lesson that it will never forget for having messed up the education sector and antagonised Christians to such an extent in such a short time."