The Kerala Catholic Congress has launched a sharp critique against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, labeling his recent assertion that most recommendations of the Justice JB Koshy Commission have been implemented as an "insult to the Christian community." The organization has warned of significant political repercussions if the state government fails to officially publish the long-pending report and act on its findings.
Claims of Implementation Called "False" and "Misleading"
In a strongly-worded statement, the Catholic Congress's central committee challenged the basis of the Chief Minister's claim. The group's leadership, including president Rajeev Kochuparambil, global director Fr Philip Kaviyil, and general secretary Josekutty J Ozhukayil, demanded immediate clarification from the CM on exactly which recommendations were carried out. They argued that it is improper for a person holding a constitutional office to make such statements without substantiating them publicly.
The organization accused the government of deliberately creating a false impression among the public that the report's work is complete. They specifically countered propaganda suggesting that issues related to teacher appointments, a key subject of the commission, have been resolved. "Making tall claims about implementing measures that have not been carried out is unbecoming of those in constitutional positions and insults a community," the statement read.
Three RTI Requests Denied, High Court Approach Made
Highlighting the government's reluctance, the Catholic Congress revealed that it has filed Right to Information (RTI) applications on three separate occasions seeking the publication of the JB Koshy Commission report. Each time, the government rejected the requests, stating the report was still "under consideration of the cabinet."
Frustrated by the lack of transparency, the organization has now escalated the matter legally. It has formally approached the Kerala High Court seeking a judicial directive to compel the state government to publish the report in the public domain.
Warning of Electoral Consequences
The Catholic Congress issued a clear political warning to the ruling LDF government. It stated that if the administration continues to delay publishing the report and implementing its recommendations, the Christian community will deliver a "proper reply" in the upcoming assembly elections. This underscores the potential electoral fallout from the simmering discontent.
The group's final appeal emphasized sincerity: "If the state government is sincere, it should publish the commission's report. Present moves are aimed at deceiving the public and the church." The standoff places renewed focus on the opaque handling of the commission's findings and sets the stage for a continued legal and political battle.
