Christian candidates for next assembly election in MP

The Isai Maha Sangh (IMS) is preparing Christians for the forthcoming 2013 assembly election in Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking at the Leadership Summit in Bhopal, IMS State President Sujit William stressed for Christians to join politics to contribute to nation building.

"The present scenario is clear that in the Hindi speaking regions Christian Socio-political leadership is very weak. We are making an effort to get more people with charismatic leadership emerge from the Christian community in this part of India," said William.

The Isai Maha Sangh is an ecumenical forum of various Christian bodies at different levels in the state.

The meeting on Dec. 1 was attended by some thousand delegates, including senior leaders from political parties such as the Congress, BJP, CPI, CPI-M and Janata Dal United.

National Integration Council Vice Chairman Ramesh Sharma and several senior government officials spoke at the event. The issue of religious fundamentalism was addressed by M S Sharma, IPS (IG Intelligence).

"We do not look at any denominational differences. We focus on the ability of a person. It is also to be noted that we are not undertaking any religious activity to bring people," said IMS State General Secretary Jerry Paul.

Assembly elections are due in Madhya Pradesh in November 2013. The state is currently ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In the last assembly election there were eleven Christian candidates representing diverse political parties.

"We are not promoting any one political party. We are encouraging the candidates to join whichever political party suits them best. All political parties are equally working for development," said IMS Political wing President, M S Manu.