Archbishop’s prosecution demanded for “provocative” poll appeal

A legal rights watchdog affiliated to rightwing Hindu groups wants a Catholic archbishop prosecuted under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 for his “highly provocative and objectionable” remarks. The Legal Rights Observatory (LRO), affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has moved the Election Commission against Archbishop Thomas Macwan of Gandhinagar for releasing a letter urging for prayers to save secularism from “nationalist forces.” In a signed letter dated November 21 written on behalf of the Catholic bishops of Gujarat Archbishop Macwan urged Christians to pray for the election of humane leaders to save India from nationalist forces. The letter also urged Christians to organize prayer services so that people who are faithful to the Indian Constitution could be elected. According to LRO, the prelate’s letter is “directly aimed at demonizing certain organizations…obliquely appealing electorate to vote against ruling BJP.”