Kochi: The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has urged the faithful and society to vote for ideal candidates after analyzing their development plans.
The council’s press release on March 19 clarified that the Church has taken an open stand towards political parties. Voters were asked to choose a government which will ensure the rights of all sections of society.
“People should keep that in mind and give importance to the common good of the state. Casting the vote is the responsibility of every citizen. Being a state which leads the country on several fronts, Kerala should become the role model in political affairs too,” the statement added.
Kerala will elect its 140-member legislative assembly on April 6, along with Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. West Bengal in eastern India will elect its 294-member legislative assembly on an eight-phase polling starting March 27. Assam in northeast will elect its 126-member assembly on March 27, April 1 and 6. The results will be announced on May 2.
According to the Kerala bishops, the southern Indian needs people’s representatives who can rise above rigid communal-caste-religious and political biases. “People should vote for those who take a serious view of issues which have been repeatedly seeking attention of the government,” the release said.
Candidates and parties ensuring reservation for Dalit Christians, generating employment for youth and maintaining transparency in appointments should be promoted.
“Steps should be taken to protect and provide fair wages for working class people, including farmers, construction workers and migrant laborers. People should vote for good governance,” said the statement.
The press release was undersigned by KCBC president Cardinal George Alencherry, vice president Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal and secretary general Bishop Joseph Mar Thomas.
Source: newindianexpress.com
BRBC in Bengal should make a similar statement to guide the conscience of Bengal faithful. If a joint ecumenical statement is made so much the better. In Bengal unity among various denominations is very urgent. From some reliable sources the Muslim community in Bengal have taken a secular stand and to protect our constitutional rights. Hence the imams of Bengal have decided to strengthen the hands of secular forces. They understand well that if their vote banks are split or divided the fundamentalist forces in Bengal May take upper hands. Hence, a statement from BRBC or a strong Ecumenical statement to guide Christian community will only show our commitment to our Christian values and social teachings of the Church.
Was saddened to see some Christian bishops openly soliciting votes for BJP in Kerala. They seem to have parted with judgment.
The clarity of the message would be more visible if candidate ensure the right of every section of society as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
The paradigm shift in governance, is, easy the people living basic requirements. Openly accept the Aap government model.