Kochi, Kerala: Opposition Leader V D Satheesan visited the Syro-Malabar Church headquarters at Mount St Thomas in Kakkanad, Kochi, and held discussions with the Church leadership. The visit took place on Wednesday night while the Church’s crucial Synod meeting was underway. With around 50 bishops attending the Synod, the Opposition Leader’s presence has been viewed as politically significant.

Satheesan arrived at the Church headquarters in a private vehicle, avoiding official cars and the usual security detail. Reaching at around 9.15 pm, he held discussions with senior Church leaders for over an hour. He also met the Major Archbishop and attended the dinner hosted there before leaving close to 10.30 pm.

The timing of the meeting—coming immediately after the UDF’s strong performance in the recent local body elections—has drawn attention for its political relevance. The UDF believes that Christian votes, which had drifted towards the LDF and the NDA in previous elections, have now returned to the coalition. With Christian votes expected to play a decisive role in securing victories across central Kerala in the upcoming elections, renewing ties with the Church leadership is seen as a confidence booster for the UDF.

Although political leaders routinely meet religious heads during election periods, Satheesan’s decision to visit during an ongoing and highly significant Synod has sparked considerable discussion in political circles.