Church leaders attend CM's oath-taking ceremony

Among those who were invited to Madhya Pradesh state chief minister's oath-taking ceremony was six Christians including Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal.

Church says the invitation by the pro-Hindu state government is a very encouraging sign.

"No doubt, it is a very positive sign," Archbishop Leo Cornelio told UCA News.

The newly elected Shivraj Singh Chauhan, according to sources, by inviting Christians wanted to convey 'peace' and further does not want any more sectarian trouble.

Archbishop Cornelio quoted Chauhan saying, "Your blessing will help me go ahead" adding that, the chief minister thanked the Church representatives for attending the ceremony despite top state and national leaders present.

The Christians had urged Chauhan to ensure Christians are allowed to exercise their constitutional right to practice their religion and propagate their faith.

During the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule in the state, over 171 incidents of attacks on priests, nuns and laypeople were recorded in the past five years.

The BJP bagged 143 of the 230 seats in Madhya Pradesh recent assembly polls conducted Nov 27. The election results were announced Dec 8.