Lok Sabha 2019: Amidst Rising Church Interference In Politics, EC Bans Campaigning Near Goa Churches On Good Friday

Political parties in Goa will not be permitted to campaign in the vicinity of the churches on the occasion of Good Friday on 19 April 2019, state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Kunal has instructed, reports The New Indian Express.

According to the report, the holy day of Christians comes just days ahead of 23 April, when the state is scheduled to have polls for two Lok Sabha seats and bypolls for three assembly constituencies.

Political parties, during a meeting with the CEO, expressed fear that campaigning on Good Friday may hurt the sentiments of Christians and may lead to law and order issues, according to the minutes of the meeting.

However, CEO assured that “no law and order issues would arise as necessary instructions can be issued to not issue any permissions for holding meeting and rallies in the vicinity of church and sufficient police force will be deployed,”

The CEO appealed to the political parties to exercise self restraint with regard to political campaigning on the occasion.

Incidentally, media reports have highlighted the rising Church interference in Indian politics after a Church ‘appealed’ to its followers to pray for a new government in 2019.