Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol stated that the Latin Catholic Church's intervention led to her appointment as mayor. Speaking at a church council event, she credited the church's "firm voice" and organizational strength for her position. The church council president clarified that the church may have recommended her name but did not explicitly raise its voice. A rival Congress leader questioned the statement, suggesting it might be unconstitutional and called for the mayor to explain her remarks, emphasizing the party's commitment to inclusive secularism.