Kochi: The Catholic Congress, the political wing of the Syro-Malabar Church, has expressed displeasure at the choice of candidates “ignoring” the strength of the Syro-Malabar community and has hinted at fielding its own Independent candidates in the Assembly election at Thrikkakara, Paravoor, Thripunithura, Aluva, and Angamaly.

The Syro-Malabar community has not been given adequate representation in the choice of candidates, said a statement issued by the Catholic Congress after its meeting at the Renewal Centre, Kaloor, on Wednesday, The Hindu reported.

Without naming anyone, the Catholic Congress statement claimed that persons who had “insulted” the Church leadership had been made candidates in Catholic majority constituencies.

At the same time, the Church’s statement called on the faithful to vote according to their conscience.