IDUKKI: A Catholic clergyman hailing from Kerala, who served as a vicar within the Idukki diocese of the Syro-Malabar church, faced a suspension from his ecclesiastical responsibilities on Monday, mere hours following his decision to align himself with the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

Fr. Kuriakose Mattam officially obtained primary membership in the BJP, an event facilitated by K S Aji, the party's Idukki district president, on Monday. Promptly thereafter, the Idukki diocese took immediate action against him.

In an official statement, the diocese confirmed that Fr. Mattom had been temporarily relieved of his pastoral duties at the Mankuva St. Thomas church located near Adimali. The statement read, "Father Kuriakose Mattam of Mankuva church has been temporarily relieved of his role as vicar."

A spokesperson from the church elucidated that this disciplinary measure was undertaken in accordance with Canon Law, which prohibits any priest within the church from affiliating with or actively participating in any political party. Notably, Fr. Mattam, aged 74, was nearing retirement within a matter of months, according to a source from the church.

The timing of the priest's decision to join the BJP was noteworthy, given the ongoing scrutiny and criticism that the Catholic church had directed toward the party in light of the situation in Manipur.

K S Aji took to Facebook to share images of the priest, asserting that Fr. Mattam's alignment with the BJP was a direct response to his assessment of the prevailing national circumstances.

In a video statement, the priest explained his rationale for joining the BJP, stating, "I stay informed about current affairs, and I cannot discern any compelling reason not to align with the BJP. I maintain friendships with numerous BJP supporters, and today, I officially became a member. My knowledge about the party in our country is derived from newspapers and my personal understanding."

Aji underscored that the priest's decision to embrace the BJP served as a counterpoint to those who had been critical of the party's stance on the Manipur issue.

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