Archbishop in the southern Indian state of Karnataka has urged Catholics to vote for a secular government in the country’s upcoming general election. “Choose a leader who is secular, non-communal, believes in the constitution, and is less corrupt,” Archbishop Peter Machado of Bengaluru said on April 7. He explained that by secular he meant one who respects all people without any discri-mination, and non-communal meant one who accepts all religions. Machado, while deli-vering the homily at Logos Retreat Center in Bengaluru, said that all Catholics must cast their vote as the coming election was very important and a historic one. “It is a sin if we don’t vote,” he said adding that it was futile to later sit and complain about growing persecution against Christians and their institutions in the country. Machado, who is also president of Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishop’s Council, said those eligible to vote “should take time out by canceling all other engagements on the day of voting.” The national election will be held in seven phases in April, May and June. Karnataka state will vote on April 26 and May 7. Father Faustine Lucas Lobo, spokesperson of the regional bishops’ council said the archbishop’s guidance will help people to choose the right candidates to represent them in the national parliament. “Archbishop Machado is right… as the situa tion in the country is quite difficult for religious minorities who are facing increasing persecution since the past decade or so,” he told on April 10.The Indian constitution gives all citizens equal rights and the freedom to choose and practice any religion of their choice, the priest added. Lobo said the archbishop has been a vocal defender of human rights and had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act against those who “fail to rise above petty politics and indulge in hate speeches.” Catholic bishops in India had urged their people to pray and fast on March 22.The intention was “to intercede for our nation, especially in the forthcoming general election this year,” said Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi, secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. Christians make up 1.87 percent of Karnataka’s 68.4 million people.