Kannur - Mar Joseph Pamplany, the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Thalassery clarified his statement made during a farmers' rally organized by the Catholic Congress in Thalassery Archdiocese.

Archbishop Pamplany emphasized that he has not expressed any support for the BJP nor has he made any promises to support them. His priority is to stand by those who help the struggling rubber farmers.

The Archbishop further explained that the farmers expressed their desire to vote for the ruling party at the center if the price of rubber is increased to Rs300 per kg. However, his commitment is to support whichever government, be it the central or the state government, that offers help to the farmers. He reiterated that his stance is not based on any political or religious affiliations.

The announcement made by the Archbishop was in response to the request of the upland farmers, and it was not to coerce or tempt the farmers to support any political front. The BJP government's response to the farmers' demands may lead to a policy that benefits them.

The Archbishop emphasized that the situation of the rubber farmers is dire, with foreclosure notices being sent to their homes.

The farmers are in complete darkness about their future.

Archbishop Pamplany aims to draw attention to the farmers' plight and to support those who help the farmers, regardless of political motives.