Will Christians vote good governance over secularism?

MUMBAI: This season, the Christian vote will be more fragmented than at any time in the community's history. Catholic and Protestant churches will urge parishioners at weekend mass to vote for "good governance" over "secular parties". Incidentally, good governance is the BJP's vote plank, while secularism is the Congress calling card.

Christians live in large numbers in Byculla, Mahim, Bandra, Amboli, Kalina, Vakola, Malad, Mira-Bhayander and Vasai. Many are longtime Congress supporters and may be reluctant to switch loyalties.

Archbishop of Bombay, Oswald Cardinal Gracias, had told TOI on September 24 that he had urged Catholics to vote for "good governance" rather than "secular parties". Writing in the Examiner, he added a footnote for "minorities and weak and marginalised sections".

Fr Rocky Banz, parish priest of Gloria Church, Byculla, said, "We will repeat the Cardinal's message at mass on Saturday evening and Sunday morning."

The Church of North India (CNI) echoes similar thoughts. Rev John Silas of Christ Church said, "Good governance is a must. Everybody banked on the Congress for a long time but somewhere something went wrong. (Narendra) Modi is extremely articulate as compared to past incumbents. We cannot predict the future but let us at least vote for good people."

Some Catholic organizations have announced support for BJP and Shiv Sena candidates. The Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) is supporting BJP's Ashish Shelar in Bandra (W). Bombay Catholic Sabha's Gordon D'Souza said, "The Cardinal's message is a huge leap from the traditional stand. We must focus on infrastructure. Good candidates are a must, while secularism is an added advantage."

A M Sodder, secretary of the Association of Concerned Catholics, says, "Corruption has flourished under the garb of secularism. The Congress-NCP has not given us reservations in government institutes, jobs or special benefits. We will choose good people, irrespective of party or community."

East Indian Christians have formed the Maharashtra Swaraj Party (MSP), which could nibble at the vote share of mainstream parties. MSP's five candidates will contest as independents as the party is yet to be registered. Vile Parle candidate Godfrey Pimenta denies that MSP has been propped up to break Christian votes. "Ours is not a party of Christians or East Indians. This time our candidates are Catholics as we were had no time to prepare a wider base. We are testing the waters. If we need to contest 227 municipal seats, we need local people from all communities."

D'Souza and Abraham Mathai of Harmony Foundation are pleased that more Christian and East Indians are contesting. But Sodder says, "Their 300-400 votes may influence the margin of victory, not the result."

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