Vote for party that promotes secularism, says Bishops

The association of the Catholic Bishops in India urged citizens to vote for a party that would protect and promote secularism and the democratic commitment as described in the constitution.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) appealed to the electorate to "be true to the letter and spirit of the Preamble and the Provisions of the Constitution of India without any sectarian/party persuasion."

At a press conference, CBCI secretary General Stanislaus Fernandez termed the appeal as a set of 'guidelines' for voters to exercise their rights in choosing a leader who will work for social justice including reservation for Dalit Christians.

"They should select and promote candidates without any criminal record or background and having the genuine concerns of youth, women and particularly of the poor and marginalized at heart," the appeal said.

The candidates must be committed to the eradication of poverty, fight illiteracy, disallow discrimination against Christians or SC origin, emancipation of women and further maintain the basic amenities of people including drinking water, housing and healthcare, the bishops stressed.

The appeal will be made available in every language and will be sent to all dioceses of the Catholic Church.