CBCI welcomes people’s verdict in India's general elections

(May 18, 2009) The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), the apex body of the Catholic Church in India has also welcomed the results of the Indian elections. In a press statement, CBCI spokesperson Father Babu Joseph praised the right verdict of people who have voted the Congress-led UPA coalition back to power for another five years. While expressing the Catholic Church’s “sincere gratitude to the Indian voters who have exercised their franchise to vote for a secular and a progressive Government,” Fr. Babu expressed confidence the government “will keep its promises of safeguarding the country from communal and divisive forces and restore confidence among all sections of people particularly among the religious minorities for providing a stable, secular and democratic government.” In its appeal to the voters prior to the general elections, the CBCI had urged all people to vote for a government which is committed to safeguarding the secular characteristics of the nation and to work for all communities irrespective of caste, colour and creed.