B’lore Archbishop thanks PM Modi for Christmas celebration, urges attention to community issues
Bengaluru: Archbishop Peter Machado, the head of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Christmas celebrations held at the PM's residence in New Delhi with religious leaders of the Christian community. In an issued press release on Thursday, the Archbishop conveyed thanks on behalf of the entire Christian community while also urging the Prime Minister's attention to the escalating problems faced by the community, particularly in Manipur.
The Christmas celebrations for 2023 held special significance for Christians in India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended invitations to representatives of the Christian community, celebrating Christmas with them at his residence in New Delhi.
The Archbishop's press release highlighted the positive views expressed by the Prime Minister regarding the Christian community in India. Modi acknowledged the contributions of Christians to the Indian Independence Movement and commended the works undertaken by Christian institutions in education, health, and social service over the decades post-independence. The Prime Minister's emphasis on compassion and service, aligning with the teachings of the Lord, was appreciated by the Christian community leaders.
However, the press release also drew attention to the challenges faced by Indian Christians, including hate speeches, vandalization of churches and prayer halls, and the implementation of anti-conversion laws in several states. The Archbishop urged the Prime Minister's intervention through his office to prevent illegal activities against Christians and address the issues related to reservation for Dalit Christians.
The Archbishop specifically highlighted the situation in Manipur, where months-long violence has negatively impacted Christians in the state. The press release called on Prime Minister Modi to resolve the problems related to reservation for Dalit Christians by engaging with local leaders from the Christian community.
The Archbishop expressed the belief that Prime Minister Modi's response to the concerns of the Christian community would contribute to building an all-inclusive society guided by values of justice and selfless service. The press release concluded with gratitude for the invitation to celebrate Christmas and a humble request for positive responses to the challenges faced by the Christian community in India.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
