“Respect minorities’ rights, develop Bihar,” Church leaders urge new state government

Patna – Catholic leaders are optimistic that the new state government of Bihar, led by Janata Dal–United (JD–U) leader Nitish Kumar, will respect the mandate of minority communities and work for the all–round development of the state by ensuring the socio–economic justice and welfare of the people.

Nitish Kumar took oath on November 24 as the new chief minister of Bihar, succeeding former Chief Minister Rabri Devi.

Kumar is heading a government of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition that defeated a coalition led by Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in the recent state assembly elections, winning 143 out of a total of 243 seats.

According to the local Catholic leaders, the recent election has been “peaceful and one of the best organized.”

“The peaceful democratic exercise in Bihar should be appreciated,” The Indian Catholic News quoted Fr. Donald D’ Souza, Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), as stating.

“It has been a free and fair election in the state. The will of the people has been manifested in the election results. It is clear that the people wanted a change of government and we must respect their mandate,” he said, expressing faith in the leadership of Nitish Kumar.

“Nitish was once an ally of Laloo Prasad Yadav and now he is with the NDA. He has his own convictions of governance,” he added.

According to The Indian Catholic News, though the church leaders are optimistic of the new government, yet, many are cautious. “It is good there is change,” said Fr. Jerome Dungdung, a minister at the Bishop's House in Patna. “But the question is how much the new government will be able to do?”

“The entire state has really bad roads, and the situation of electricity and water supply is pathetic across Bihar. The new government needs to give better living conditions to the people,” the priest added.

In recent past, Christians have largely been the target of Hindu religious extremists. Under the RJD rule, law and order had literally broken down and increasing incidents of atrocities against Christians in Bihar early this year had prompted the Archdiocese of Patna to form a forum to fight violence against church leaders and church–run institutions in the state.

“The government should reassure the minorities of their protection while keeping divisive forces away,” The Indian Catholic News quoted Fr. Dungdung as saying.