Kerala’s Alappuzha church backs BJP for ‘saving’ historical shrine from demolition
A 1000 year old Christian church in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, which was to be demolished for the expansion of a national highway, is now ready to be declared a protected monument.
The Syrian Orthodox Church of Malankara credits BJP leader Dr. R Balashankar with “saving” the St. George Orthodox Church in Cheppad with his “timely intervention” in the matter, and has urged the people to vote for the BJP leader, who will likely compete from Chengannur. seat of the assembly in the next elections.
Currently, CPI (M) legislator Saji Cheriyan represents the Chengannur constituency.
On Thursday, Orthodox Church spokesman P. Johns Abraham Konat said that the head of the Church, Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, wanted the faithful to stay away from partisan political interests and vote for Balashankar, co-convener of the national training program BJP.
“If Balashankar is not voted in favor of victory, it would be ingratitude. The Prime Minister had intervened in the matter of the Cheppad church, which was later handed over to the Department of Archeology and the decision to demolish the church was therefore ruled out. “
Fr Konat added: “It was Balashankar who gave courageous leadership in this effort to protect the historic church. He is the BJP candidate in Chengannur, where the Orthodox Church is an influential force. When the LDF and UDF fronts stayed away from the issue without providing any help to protect the church, it was Balashankar who, as a member of the Church, intervened. ”
The Orthodox Church of St. George, Cheppad, is believed to have been built in 1050 AD. The church has 47 wall paintings, dating from the thirteenth century, which have been preserved throughout the centuries. Also, here is buried the metropolitan Philipose Mar Dionysius of Malankara from the 19th century.
According to the expanded lineup decided by NHAI, the church was to be demolished and orders had been issued.
Sources said the Church has raised the issue with political parties, including the BJP, in recent years. It was only last month that the issue came to the attention of Balashankar, who took steps to bring the matter to the attention of the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
Afterwards, officials from the Archaeological Service of India (ASI) inspected the church and claimed that the church is one of the rarest in Kerala as it has traditional architectural patterns with rare and beautiful wall paintings on the altar walls.
“Given the historical, artistic and architectural significance of the church, this office intends to protect the church as a centrally protected monument of national importance. Therefore, it is reported that the current NH alignment may be changed to protect this ancient church and its valuable wall paintings, ” the ASI added.
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