Thiruvananthapuram: The representatives of the Orthodox Church visited chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Cliff House in the backdrop of the Chengannur by-election. The Orthodox Church leaders told Mathrubhumi News that they would not take any anti-government stand in the election. They added that the liquor policy will not be a matter of concern in the Chengannur by-polls.

The representatives of the church met the chief minister seeking support in the dispute on Piravam church. However, their response after the 15-minute-long meeting indicates that they are in support of the LDF. The Orthodox Church has an influential vote bank in Chengannur.

The Metropolitan of Kandanad East diocese Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasios said that the people of Chengannur have no dislike for the Left government. Meanwhile, the Orthodox Church has not clarified their stand on the liquor policy of the government. The secretary of the Synod said that the liquor policy will not influence Chengannur. The Orthodox Church had supported LDF in the last Lok Sabha elections.