Karnataka chief minister greets Bangalore archbishop on birthday
(August 13, 2010) The Chief Minister of southern India’s Karnataka state paid a courtesy
visit to Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore to felicitate him on his 69th
birthday on Tuesday. After offering a garland, fruits and a shawl to the archbishop,
Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa spent some time with Archbishop Moras, who is the
president of the Karnataka Regional Bishops’ Council. Soon after meeting the prelate,
Yeddyurappa told media that he and his government appreciated the services of Christians
in the fields of social service, education and care for the poor. The chief minister
said his government was committed to providing security to all citizens, especially
the minorities. He urged the minorities to take full advantage of the state’s welfare
schemes. However, Christian groups have been accusing Yeddyurappa’s BJP government
of tacitly supporting Hindu radical activities against Christians and their institutions.
Karnataka state witnessed a wave of anti-Christian incidents after BJP government
came to power in 2008.