New Delhi, May 22: Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto's letter to priests asking for prayers to save India ahead of 2019 elections has sparked a political row. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, commenting on the controversial letter', said India is one of those countries where minority communities are secure.
Speaking to ANI, Rajnath cleared that he had not read the letter but added that people from minority communities are not being discriminated in India -- neither by caste, nor by religion.
I have not seen the letter, but I want to say India is one of those countries where minorities are safe & no one is allowed to discriminate on the basis of caste & religion: HM Rajnath Singh, on Archbishop's letter to priests asking to "pray for country" ahead of 2019 elections. pic.twitter.com/JhsZCGVGIB
— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018
The letter written by the Archbishop read, "As we look forward towards 2019 when we have a new government let us begin a prayer campaign for our country from May 13, 2018."
The letter also mentioned to observe fast every Friday of the week and also instructed all parishes, religious houses and institutions to organise a one-hour prayer for the nation.
Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi brushed aside the apprehensions raised by the Archbishop, claiming the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working for upliftment and betterment of all communities irrespective of caste and religion. He urged the religious leaders of different faith to perceive the BJP-led government with a "progressive mindset".
After politicians slammed the Archbishop for sparking the controversy. Father Robinson, Secretary to Archbishop of Delhi in his official statement said that the letter was not written with a political intention.
The Archbishop's letter is not political, neither it is against the Govt or against the honourable PM. Misinformation should not be spread. Its just an invitation for prayers, and such letters have been written in the past too: Father Robinson, Secretary to Archbishop of Delhi pic.twitter.com/YTpCoKq8K0
— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has also marked its dissent against the circular. RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha termed the move as a "direct attack on Indian secularism and democracy".
Sinha, while speaking to ANI, said, "This is a direct attack by the Church on Indian secularism and democracy, and this is a direct intervention by the Vatican as these Bishops are appointed by the Pope. Their accountability is not to India but to Pope."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2018 03:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).