Ahead of the October 15 bypoll to the Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat, the All India Christian Council today called upon Christian religious leaders not ally with any political party.
"Christians are free to vote in the by-elections, but religious leaders must not ally with any specific political party," Council president Moderate Bishop Dr Joseph Dsouza told reporters here responding to a question on some Christian leaders recently joining the ruling BJD.
He, however, denied that no Christian religious leader had joined the BJD.
"Some people having their faith in Christianity might have joined the BJD," said Joseph.
Stating that communal tensions have been experienced in some places before and after the general elections, he said, "We should be aware of what is happening around us. Though nothing has happened in Odisha, there is nothing wrong in remaining alert."
"The Christian Council has also worked with the Odisha government to address and help the victims of religious violence. It has supported and worked for the cause of justice for the victims of the Kandhamal violence," Joseph said.
Thanking Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his support and help to the Christian community in Kandhamal, Joseph said the Council wanted to continue its works with the state government to prevent the repeat of any violence.
