Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah criticise Delhi Archbishop for 2019 poll remark

He wrote that as the country “looks forward towards 2019 when we will have a new government”, the community should begin a prayer campaign from May 13. He urged the community “to observe a day of fast every Friday of the week by forgoing at least one meal and offering our penance and all our sacrifices for our spiritual renewal and that of our nation.”

“Let the people of all castes and creeds, all denominations and persuasions live in harmony and peace, steering far away from hatred and violence. Protect our legislators as a place of discerning minds. Keep our print, visual and social media as the channels of truth for edifying discourses. Protect our institutions from the infiltration of the evil forces,” said the text of a prayer sent with the letter.

“May the ethos of true democracy envelop our elections with dignity and the flames of honest patriotism enkindle our political leaders,” it said, as it prayed for the poor, marginalised, Dalits and tribals. “What I said is spend time once a week for our nation, and especially because elections are coming and the government concerns all of us. So it is not in any way pertaining to the government of Narendra Modi,” Couto said on Tuesday.

“I have not seen the statement (of the Archbishop) verbatim but all I can say is that India is a country where there is no discrimination against anyone on the basis of caste, sect or religion. Such a thing cannot be allowed,” said Home Minister Rajnath Singh. “It’s not appropriate if anyone is talking about polarising people in the name of religion,” said BJP chief Amit Shah. On opposition leaders supporting Couto, he said, “It is very obvious that our rivals will support such a statement. If somebody speaks about defeating us, it is natural that they will support him.”

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Couto’s statement reflected a “prejudiced mind”, while his colleague K J Alphons said “godmen”should refrain from making political comments. “The prime minister’s commitment to development without discrimination should be seen. As long as you have a prejudiced mind, you cannot look at this progress,” said Naqvi.

Meanwhile, TMC leader and West Bengal CM Minister Banerjee agreed with Couto. “I think whatever he has said was correct. It is a fact,” she said. “We have great regard and respect for all communities, caste and creed. We respect all archbishops in the country,” she added.

Pointing out that Couto was calling people for prayer, Yechury said: “His spokesperson has also said that the call for this annual prayer has always been given. For the minorities in India, the only guarantee they have is the Constitution that promises them equality.” Father Robinson, secretary to Couto, said the letter was sent on May 8 and had already been read out at all the parishes. “This is a two-week old letter. It invited people to pray for the elections, country and all the political leaders. There is nothing wrong in it,” he said.