New Delhi, June 9: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed its satisfaction on the successful conclusion of the 18th Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the strength and vibrancy of India’s democratic ethos and the unwavering adherence to the values enshrined in the Constitution.
The organization also congratulated Mr Narendra Modi on his swearing-in as the Prime Minister of India for the third time, emphasizing the significant responsibility that comes with this mandate to uphold democratic values and address the diverse needs of the nation.
A CBC Press note issued today emphasized the importance of respecting and safeguarding the Constitution of India, which is the cornerstone of Indian democracy. The organization appealed to the NDA government to work diligently towards upholding constitutional values, ensuring justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens. It is crucial that the government remains inclusive, transparent, and committed to the welfare of all sections of society, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable. The CBCI trusts that under Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government will remain committed to these fundamental principles.
The CBCI also acknowledged the spirited participation of all political parties and their candidates in this democratic process. The organization extended its congratulations to those elected to the 18th Lok Sabha, regardless of party affiliation. It is essential that elected representatives serve as the effective voice of the people, raising their concerns and aspirations within the legislative framework.
The CBCI looks forward to a government that is dedicated to the progress and development of India, working harmoniously towards the collective good of the nation. The organization hopes that elected leaders will be guided by wisdom and compassion as they embark on this journey of governance. The CBCI’s appeal to the NDA government underscores the importance of upholding constitutional values and ensuring inclusive governance, which is critical for the well-being and prosperity of all citizens.
The CBCI’s statement serves as a reminder of the significance of democratic values and the importance of inclusive governance in a diverse nation like India. As the country moves forward under the leadership of Narendra Modi, it is crucial that the government remains committed to upholding the Constitution and ensuring the welfare of all citizens. The CBCI’s appeal to the NDA government is a call to action, emphasizing the need for a government that is dedicated to the progress and development of India, working harmoniously towards the collective good of the nation.
Your report states that the CBCI trusts that Modi will uphold constitutional and democratic values! Given the record of the last ten years that is being rather naive!
In his speech in parliament on 7th June, NDA Prime Minister designate Narendra Modi swore by the Indian Constitution and claimed he was an avid practitioner of `Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava.’ It’s a concept of Hinduism that says though the paths followed by all religions may be different, their destination is the same. This ethos was propounded by Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda and officially adopted by Mahatma Gandhi. Yet the ground realities of post-2024 election show that out of 293 seats of NDA (BJP 240 seats), not a single MP is from other Dharmas (religions) namely Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Sikhs.
“It’s not just the BJP, the NDA is Muslim mukt, Christian mukt, Buddhist mukt and Sikh mukt. Yet the government will claim to represent 140 crore Indians,” Omar Abdullah said in a tweet.
According to Congress MP Manickam Tagore from Tamil Nadu if Modi believed in Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava, why is there not a single MP from the minority communities?
The statistics of the newly-elected MPs of NDA show 33.2 per cent belong to high-caste Brahmin-Kshatriyas, 15.7 to other high-caste groups, OBC 26.2, Dalits 13.3 and Adivasis 10.8 per cent without any representation from Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Sikhs (Anandabazar Patrika 08.06.2024).
Out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, 84 seats were reserved for SCs and 131 seats for STs. In 2019 general election, BJP won 46 SC seats. This time it won only 30 (16 seats less). Out of 131 seats reserved for STs, BJP won 55 seats vis-à-vis 77 seats it bagged in 2019. Therefore even SC and ST voters have expressed their disenchantment with Modi Ki Guarantee.
To find out whether women voters endorsed Modi’s policies on various parameters namely price rise of daily necessities, employment/livelihood, women’s safety, empowerment, etc it would be interesting to know party-wise breakup of votes cast by women. Many women voters might have been disillusioned with Modi Government’s putting the Women’s Reservation bill, though passed, in a limbo. Women voters scripted history in 2024. Over 31 crore women cast their vote. Over 64 crore votes were cast in 2024 General Election. (