Orthodox church head denies backing Narendra Modi's candidature

Head of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Baselium Marthoma Paulose II on Monday denied reports that they had backed Narendra Modi's candidature for the Prime Minister's post during an interaction with local BJP leaders.

Making a clarification within hours after some of Malayalam TV channels flashed reports in this regard, the Catholicos said the church had "no political line" and he had not made any statement supporting Modi.

"The reports that I have supported Modi are not correct.The church does not have any particular political line. We do not support or oppose anybody....They asked me how we look at scenairo of Modi becoming the Prime Minister. I told them there is a general impression that Modi is not a leader of secular tolerance," he told a news channel.

The Catholicose said he was not personally familiar with Modi as he did not have an opportunity for that.

Media reports quoting local BJP leaders, who called on the Catholicos to extend him Christmas greetings, said he had told them that he supported Modi's candidature.