To avoid a division of Christian votes, the local diocese has come out in support of Davidson, the DMK-Congress candidate. The Communists allege that the DMK arm-twisted the bishop for his endorsement. The Communists say the Association of Bishops of Tamil Nadu has asked Christians to vote for a secular candidate. And no one can question their secular credentials, the Communists add, seemingly unwilling to see the irony of avowed atheists seeking theological assistance.
DMK and Congress leaders retort that the word 'secular' refers to their alliance, to which the Communists respond, "The Congress and DMK do not have a patent on secularism."
When the Church comes out in favour of secularism, which may mean 'do not vote for the BJP,' the Hindu vote gets polarised in the BJP's favour.
Kanyakumari is a communally sensitive district where Hindus and Christians live in peace only when it suits them.
The caste factor will also play a part in the Kanyakumari election. Three of the candidates are Nadar Christians; one is a Hindu Nadar. The Nadars are the dominant community in this district.
Usually, the Christian Nadars do not get along with the fishermen Christians, but during the election season they shed their animosity and work together. If all the Christians vote en bloc for Davidson, the DMK nominee has a good chance of victory.
Says local fisherman Justine, "The Christian vote is a myth. They vote according to their party affiliation. There are Christian supporters in every party. They will not vote for one party."
BSP candidate Sivakami is a former IAS officer who has served as collector of the neighbouring Tuticorin district. BSP supremo Mayawati announced Sivakami's candidature a month before the other parties did. Sivakami's husband belongs to Kanyakumari and she has been campaigning long before her rivals. She is expected to finish fifth in the race; Austin taking the fourth spot.
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