hidden image

Representation and Growth for Indian Christians Post 2024 Elections

Isaac Harold Gomes Isaac Harold Gomes
17 Jun 2024

In his speech in parliament on June 7, Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi bowed and put the Indian Constitution on his forehead. He claimed he was an ardent practitioner of Sarva Dharma Sam Bhava, which is a concept of Hinduism, and says that the paths followed by all religions may be different, but their destination is the same. This concept was propounded by Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda and adopted by Mahatma Gandhi. Yet the post-2024 election outcome shows that out of 293 seats of NDA (BJP's 240 seats), not a single MP is from other Dharmas, namely Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Sikhs.

"It's not just the BJP, the NDA is Muslim mukt, Christian mukt, Buddhist mukt, Sikh mukt and 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 current NDA MPs show 33.2% belong to high-caste Brahmin-Kshatriyas, 15.7 to other high-caste groups, OBC 26.2, Dalits 13.3, and Adivasis 10.8% without any representation from Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, or Sikhs.

Of 543 Lok Sabha seats, 84 were reserved for SCs and 131 for STs. In the 2019 general election, the BJP won 46 SC seats. This time, it won only 30 (16 seats less). Of 131 seats reserved for STs, the BJP won 55 seats vis-à-vis the 77 it bagged in 2019. Therefore, even SC and ST voters have voted against Modi's claim to the Pursuit of Vikas.

It would be relevant to know party-wise votes cast by women voters. "Voters scripted history in 2024. Over 31 crore women cast their vote. Over 64 crore votes have been cast in these elections," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said during his press conference.

In this scenario, what's the way forward for the Christian Community? The development of Christians shouldn't be contingent on which party comes to power at the Centre. It should be an ongoing process across all dioceses.

1. We must look within and develop ourselves by undergoing intensive, cutting-edge human resource development, including vocational training, at each parish/diocese. In the global market, the quality and raising the bar of our laity will matter.

2. Though each vote matters regarding numerical strength, except in north-eastern states, Kerala and Goa, Christians are not a decisive factor. They are also no match vis-a-vis other communities. For example, Muslims who form a sizable percentage in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and West Bengal (35% out of an estimated 10.42 crore population), stamped their displeasure undeterred by a highly-polarised vitriolic election pitch. Readers will find the Telegraph's July 8 Editorial "India Didn't Fall for the Prime Minister's Theatrics" enlightening in this context.

3. Fee increases in our missionary educational institutions must be kept reasonable, considering the post-COVID erratic employment scenario and the average annual pay rise of 5-7%. Reserve Funds may be tapped to meet the budget deficit.

4. Primary healthcare, especially mother-and-child health, must be paid attention in each parish/cluster parish. The Health Commissions of each parish/diocese must play their proactive roles.

5. Also, the increase in the number of Christian professionals, especially Christian MPs, will be crucial for the growth of our community.

Therefore, in keeping with the Spirit, the Church should reciprocate with its resources and underutilised facilities.

Recent Posts

The Emergency must be remembered, not as a tool to target a political party but as a lesson against authoritarian excess. Yet, we cannot ignore that worse violations of democratic norms and human righ
apicture A. J. Philip
30 Jun 2025
Fifty years later, India faces a chilling déjà vu with an 'undeclared' Emergency. Freedom of speech is stifled, dissent is suppressed, and institutions are compromised. True democracy demands resistan
apicture Cedric Prakash
30 Jun 2025
Amit Shah's claim that those who speak English will be ashamed evidences that the BJP-RSS is trying to bring down the populace and push India into another Vedic dark age where ignorance and superstiti
apicture Jacob Peenikaparambil
30 Jun 2025
The NSE's ?1,400 crore settlement with SEBI raises critical concerns about India's financial markets. Any perceived regulatory capture risks eroding trust.
apicture Jaswant Kaur
30 Jun 2025
Christian education in India has had a profound influence on democracy and social justice in the country. It played a pivotal role in challenging caste oppression, promoting inclusivity, and fostering
apicture Fr Soroj Mullick, SDB
30 Jun 2025
"The spread of digital culture, particularly evident among young people, is profoundly changing their experience of space and time; it influences their daily activities, communication, and interperson
apicture Joe Eruppakkatt
30 Jun 2025
Welcome to the Happy State of Emergency: Where freedom is carefully curated, minds are pre-cooked, and Big Brother doesn't need to frown—he just raises one eyebrow... and we salute…!
apicture Robert Clements
30 Jun 2025
The North-South divide reflects India's broader regional and cultural tensions. The progress of Southern states in health, education, and development contrasts with the Hindi belt's struggles on devel
apicture Thomas Menamparampil
23 Jun 2025
India's 2027 census and ensuing delimitation will redefine its political landscape. As northern states gain influence due to burgeoning population, southern states will face reduced representation des
apicture Dr John Singarayar
23 Jun 2025
For India to become a global healthcare power, it must democratise medical education—revise outdated rules, invest in public institutions, expand seats, embrace technology, and ensure affordability. A
apicture A. J. Philip
23 Jun 2025