Christians complain against Madhya Pradesh BJP President

A delegation of Christian leaders on Thursday launched a formal complaint against Madhya Pradesh state BJP President, Prabath Jha, for his disparaging remarks against the community as part of a concerted election campaign.

Christian leaders from the Isai Mahasangh complained to Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer PC Meena against Jha, for his alleged inflammatory remarks made against the Christian community with reference to Jabera by-election to M.P Assembly.

Jha, before leaving for his election campaign in Jabera constituency, held a press conference during when he said Christian missionaries were involved in forceful conversions and goaded people to retaliate.

He alleged that mass conversions were going on in Jabera and said the government must probe against it.

The chief election officer has meanwhile assured the delegation that he will look into the matter and appropriate action will be taken.

The Catholic Bishops Council spokesperson and coordinator of the Madhya Pradsh Isai Mahasangh Fr. Anand Muttungal said, "The BJP has used its communal agenda to divide the community on communal lines. It is not the first time the issue of conversion has cropped up during election."

"Whenever there is a candidate from the Christian community or there is noticeable number of Christians, the issue of conversion is taken as a political agenda to divide the votes showing Christians in bad light. It is a clear violation of model code of conduct," he added.

As a matter of fact, the Congress candidate in the Jabera constituency, Dr. Tanaya Solomon is a Christian and daughter of demised MLA from this constituency Ratnesh Solomon.

Apparently this is first time Christians have raised their voice against the allegations of conversion with the chief electoral officer.

"The provocative speeches can negatively motivate fundamental groups to resort to violence in the state. We are concerned of the security of Christians," commented Jerry Paul, state secretary of Isai Mahasangh.