Modi move on Good Friday draws flak

The All India Christian Council (AICC), on behalf of the Christian community in Gujarat, has condemned the BJP-ruled state government’s decision to cancel Good Friday falling on April 9 as a public holiday. The government, however, has decided to conduct Gujarat University examinations on that day, states a release issued by the Council here.

Council joint secretary Samson Christian, argues that never has the holiday been scrapped by any government as Christians throughout the country observe fasts and other rituals on the day. The release alleges that the government had decided to scrap the public holiday despite several representations made by leaders of the Christian community.

A letter of the General Administration Department states that ‘‘the state government has not entertained the representation made by Council for maintaining Good Friday as a public holiday’’. The letter, dated March 23 and signed by section officer A.P. Joshi, says the government has declared the day as a ‘‘voluntary holiday’’.

Story continues below this ad

The release says the government had once cancelled all examinations but suddenly decided to conduct them on April 9.

‘‘This is an injustice to the Christian community of the state,’’ says the release.