CHRISTIANS strongly condemn the public statement of Sri V. Hanumantha Rao, Rajyasabha M.P. from A.P. Yesterday he blatantly stated that those who read the Bible are unfit and useless for politics … the Christians must confine themselves to their homes and read the Bible, what they know about politics? (See Sakshi, Hyderabad, Monday, August 23, 2010, p.7).

This statement is doubtlessly anti-national, anti-Constitutional, anti-Minority and communal, for, it clearly aims at dividing the nation on communal lines. It boarders on the Hintutva politics that treats the Minorities as second class citizens and attempts to drive out their religions. The statement of Mr V. Hanumantha Rao is not only an insult to the Christian community but also to all those who read the Bible including Mahatma Gandhiji, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. Yet, he claims to be their faithful follower. Who can now believe him when he asserts that he is a true Congressman after he has blurted out his hateful sentiments hidden in his heart?

How can Mr Hanumantha Rao say that those who read the Bible are unfit and useless for politics? Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy who read the Bible every morning proved to be one of the best Chief Ministers in the whole country. There are many Christians who boldly took part in the freedom struggle and have served the country well as Chief Ministers and Ministers in the Central and State Governments. By this action Mr Hanumantha Rao has exposed his ignorance filled with arrogance and hatred.

GCIC joins Christians, across the nation demanding Mr Hanumantha Rao to publicly apologize to the nation and to the Christian Community for this public outburst of his that appeared in the TV Channels and Newspapers. The GCIC appeals to the Civil Society and the Christian Community to condemn his statement and to demand disciplinary action against him by the Chairman of the Rajyasaba and the Congress Party. Has not his anti-national, anti-Constitutional, anti-Minority and communal statement proved him to be unfit for politics?

Most Rev. Dr Gali Bali, & Dr. Sajan George President GCIC
Bishop of Guntur& General Secretary of APFC
President of Andhra Pradesh Bishops’ Council (APBC)
Chairman of APBC Commission of Bible.
August 23, 2010