Catholic priest Fr Kuriakose Mattam joined BJP on Monday, following which he was relieved of his duties as vicar in Kerala. Mattam was a priest belonging to the Idukki diocese of the Syro-Malabar church.He received the primary membership of the BJP from the partys Idukki district president K.S. Aji on Monday. Hours later the Idukki diocese took action against him and removed him from the Mankuva St Thomas church near Adimali. The church said Fr Mattom has been temporarily relieved of parish duties.Kerala Catholic priest suspened “Father Kuriakose Mattam of Mankuva church has been temporarily relieved of his duties as vicar,” a statement by the Idukki Diocese said.As per the statement of a church spokesperson, a priest of the church cannot join or have action participation in any political party and hence disciplinary action was taken under Canon Law. The 74-year-old priest will retire in a few months, a church source said.Catholic church on Manipur issue Moreover, the Catholic priest joined the BJP at a time when the Catholic church had been attacking the party over the Manipur violence.In a Facebook post, Aji shared the images of the priest and said Fr Mattam had joined the BJP after “observing the current situation” in the country.The priest said in a video that he did not find any reason that he should not join the BJP.“I follow contemporary issues. I dont find any reason not to join the BJP. I have friendships with many BJP workers. Today I received membership. I have read from the newspapers and have an understanding of the BJP in the country,” the priest said.Aji said the entry of the Christian priest into the BJP is a reply to those who criticise the party over the Manipur issue.
