New Delhi: National Commission for Minorities (NCM) chairperson Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi on Wednesday dismissed Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto’s remark about a “turbulent political atmosphere” in the country and said he should refrain from statements that can “vitiate” the atmosphere. Mr Rizvi said that the central government “was working for everyone” and did not indulge in discrimination based on religion.
Mr Razi said there was no turbulent political atmosphere prevailing. He said : There is no atmosphere of fear prevailing in the country. But the letter he (the archbishop) has written certainly will lead to an atmosphere of fear. He should refrain from making such statements. Such letters vitiate the atmosphere in the country.”
The archbishop kicked up a storm with his remark that a “turbulent political atmosphere” posed a threat to India’s democratic principles and secular fabric, a charge rejected by the government which said the comment reflected his “prejudiced” mindset.
Mr Couto had written a letter to all parish priests in the Delhi archdiocese a few days before the May 12 Karnataka elections, calling for a “prayer campaign” ahead of the 2019 general elections.
