The UPA is faced with the problem of plenty as far as choosing a Christian member of the National Minorities Commission (NCM) is concerned.Congress sources said the intense lobbying by Christians, on regional and sectarian levels, for their nominee has delayed expansion of the NCM into a fulfledged body. The UPA-appointed NCM has three members, including chairperson Hamid Ansari. But it needs four more to become fully functional — members representing Christians, Parsis, a deputy chairperson (normally a Muslim) and a woman.‘‘Sonia Gandhi has received a plethora of representations from Christian groups from all over the country and it is going to be a difficult decision,’’ said an AICC member. Malayalees, Tamils, Oriyas, groups from the North East, Ranchi clergymen, social activists, Church leaders are all lobbying for the post. Sources said there was no such clamour from Parsis, the smallest among minorities in India. The Ansari-headed NCM was set up in March. Other members were expected to be named soon, but the decision was put off till the Assembly polls. That the NCM — a powerful and vocal body during the NDA regime — has lost much of its sheen was evident when held back comment on The Da Vinci Code controversy for long. ‘‘We felt the need to have a proper representation from all religions,’’ an NCM member said. Criticising the government for the delay, former NCM chief and Rajya Sabha member Tarlochan Singh said, ‘‘UPA believes in lip-service. Otherwise what is preventing the Government from bringing the Bill giving Constitutional status to the NCM in the House.’’ Incidentally, the Parliamentary Committee has already examined and approved the Bill.
