Christians dispute move to change Sunday holiday

Christians in the state of Madhya Pradesh expressed dismal over the govt. attempts to shift the weekly holiday from Sunday to Tuesday.

Seen as a maneuver to appease Hindus in the coming election, Christians opposed the govt. move citing it is to "target Christians" and diminish the Christian presence.

The move "is a ploy to target Christians," said Joshi Kurishingal, president of Madhya Pradesh Isai Mahasangh.

Talking to UCA News, the lay leader urged Christians not to yield to the govt. demands, which harass people with its "hidden agenda".

State’s BJP chief Minister Shivraj Chauhan has asked the state general administration to follow up the proposal, local media reported.

A copy of the proposal has also been sent to party president Rajnath Singh, for approval.

The BJP claims that Sunday became recognized as an holiday due to the colonial British rulers who framed the law to help them attend Church services.

According to the political party, Hindus visit temples for weekly prayers on Tuesdays, hence Tuesday must be recognised as a weekly holiday.

Father Anand Muttungal, spokesperson for the Catholic Church in state says the claim that India is a Hindu country is a total breach of the constitution.

The pro–Hindu BJP and its allies are already preparing to win over the voters in Madhya Pradesh by campaigning on communal lines, which, the Christian communities living in the state fear, would create increased persecution in the state.