Andhra churches want Sangma for President

As the candidacy for next the President is gathering pace, churches in Andhra Pradesh are backing the name of former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma.

President Pratibha Patil's term ends on July 24, and the new President would be sworn in on July 25.

The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC), a state-level body representing mainline Christian denominations, proposed the candidature of PA Sangma for the post of the President of India.

Giving reasons for proposing the name of Sangma, APFC said the senior leader of the National Congress Party belonged to the tribal community and is a Christian by religion.

"Members of other minority communities like the Muslims and Sikhs were given the post of the President, but not Christians. It is the turn of a Christian now," APFC said.

Further, Sangma hails from the North East part of India, which APFC noted is not given proper representation and therefore feels alienated.

"Apart from these reasons, Sangma possesses all other qualifications required for the post. He is a scholar in law and practiced as advocate. He ably rendered service as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Union Minister several times," the church body observed.

"Sangma gained national fame as the successful speaker of the Lok Sabha and proved to be amicable and impartial to all political parties," said APFC, which is a fellowship of the Catholic, CSI, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventist, Assemblies of God, among other denominations.

Several campaigns are presently underway both nationally and locally to nominate a President from the Christian community.

In the sixty and more years of history, the country has not had a Christian for the top constitutional post.

APFC says it is important the candidate who represents the country to the world at large, reflect plurality and unity in diversity. "This will not only reflect the real picture of the country to other nations, this is sure to foster our national integration."