The Pentecostal Christians, an influential evangelical section Christians has decided to field 188 independent candidates in Kottayam district of Kerala in a tactical move to show off their numerical strength.
The evangelical group has decided that it will cover all expenses of the candidates belonging to the Pentecostal group. It is also said to be sponsoring candidates from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the twenty-twenty political outfit based in Kizhakkambalam panchayat.
For decades, evangelical missionaries ran successful conversion program in converting people by offering incentives and are now in a position to use the “Pentecostal Demographic” strength. The Pentecostal group is focusing on Panchayats like Aayarkunnam, Paambaady, and Kottayam Municipality.
According to the Pentecostal group, they don’t expect their candidates will win too many seats, however, they believe they could break votes of established political outfits who will then seek help from them in the upcoming elections.
In many wards and divisions, this particular denomination of Christianity could well decide the winnability of both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) candidates.
By becoming a kingmaker in the coming elections in Kerala, the Pentecostal group is hoping to get their favourite candidates in local bodies to materialize their agenda of conversion.
The move comes as a reality check to the Hindus in the state who have been losing political relevance due to the power of organized religions of Islam and Christianity.