What else will I talk? Elections concerns us: Delhi Archbishop on letter controversy

Amid controversy over his 'pray for nation' circular, the Archbishop of Delhi has said that he was not meddling in partisan politics.' Anil Couto, the Archbishop, also said that, we're just praying that nation should walk in right direction'.

The remark came after his circular to the churches in the national capital triggered a massive political row.

Talking to media in New Delhi on Tuesday, the Archbishop also said, 'What else will I talk? Elections and government concerns us. We've to have such government that cares for freedom of people,rights and welfare of Christian community.'

'In all churches and institutions we pray and fast. We pray for our own renewal and that of country. Keeping in mind all that's happening in our country we said that we look forward to next election and next government. Every government should protect people and the Constitution,' he added.

In his letter, Anil Couto, the Archbishop, had said that, ‘We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution and the secular fabric of our nation…As we look forward towards 2019, when we will have new government, let us begin a prayer campaign for our country from May 13, 2018 which marks the anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Mother at Fatima, consecrating ourselves and our nation to the Immaculate Heart.’

Many saw the circular as a direct attack on the Modi government. Reacting to the letter, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that, ‘PM is working towards inclusive growth without discriminating while breaking barriers of religion and castes. We can only ask them to think with progressive mindset.’

BJP’s Shaina NC also criticised the Archbishop’s circular, saying, ‘Wrong to try and instigate castes or communities. You can tell them to vote for the right candidate or party but to suggest to vote for one party and not another and term yourself as secular is unfortunate.’