Bengaluru: Maundy Thursday for Christians– Bishops seek change in polling date

Wed, Mar 13 2019 04:21:39 PM

Daijiworld Media Network - Madurai (MS)

Madurai, Mar 13: Some of the constituencies in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will go for Lok Sabha on April 18. Incidentally this day is an important day in the Christian calendar as they celebrate Maundy Thursday all over the world. On the background of this, bishops from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have written to the Election Commission of India urging them to given some other alternate date for polling.

In the letter written by bishop Antony Pappusamy, the archbishop of Madurai and president of The Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council, it says, "It will be difficult for the people of Christian faith to vote on April 18 as it is Maundy Thursday and also for the fact that this day is one of the days of the holy week, which is revered most by the Christians. Moreover, Christians employed in government sector and also schools will have to attend the election duty, which will not allow them to attend the obligatory mass. In addition, most of the schools run by the Christian dioceses are situated inside the premises of the church, out of which, considerable number are used as polling stations,”

Bishop Antony Pappusamy and archbishop Peter Machado

Bengaluru archbishop seeks change of polling date

Archbishop of Bengaluru, Dr Peter Machado has sent a letter to the chief election commissioner of India, Sunil Arora expressing the inconvenience that will be caused to the Christian fraternity, if the poll is held on April 18, the day of Maundy Thursday, one of the holiest days in the year for the followers of Jesus Christ. In addition, the bishop also cited that most of the churches are having educational institutions which will be used as polling stations, which will cause problem to hold mass and other rituals on Maundy Thursday.

The letter of Archbishop also states that, being a holy day, scores of Christians will throng the churches and this may cause violation of Election Code of Conduct which says that public should be at least 100 meters away from the polling stations.

Copies of the letters are sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi also.

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Comment on this article

kavi, vittal/Dubai
Thu, Mar 14 2019
Bishops should consult the people through priests and give their comments or requests on behalf of people. most of the christian are not having any objection to cast their vote and attend the mass in the evening. The request from Bishops does not serve any purpose here.

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Agnel Rajan, Tiruchirapalli
Thu, Mar 14 2019
Will the EC hold elections in India the day before Diwali? It will certainly interfere with the religious obligations of Christians on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. Hope the EC considers the representations of the Church leaders positively.

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ASHLEY ALOYSIUS MONTEIRO, Mangalore Dakshina Kannada
Thu, Mar 14 2019
I think April 18 as fixed by the Election Commission is good because that day will be declared as Holiday for office and prayer services will start in the evenings. Christains can cast their vote in the Mornings or Afternoon.

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Ashraf, Mangaluru
Thu, Mar 14 2019
Country and country election comes first and religion comes later. There is enough time for mass and voting.

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Joe Gonsalves, Mangalore
Thu, Mar 14 2019
Hope Te Government will pay due attention to these appeals and take appropriate action.

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Alwyn, Canada
Thu, Mar 14 2019
Most of commentator never understand the letter. Voting is good but voting by entire community good as well. But most of property of christianity schools used for polling stations and govt employees to be part of the duty. Issues is schools used for pole and Christians part of poles and count will interrupt mass and schools are closer to church may cause issues for pole violations. People understand and look at a bigger picture in prospective of every one rather only your self. Be wise and make proper decisions benifits every one.

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Agnel, udupi
Thu, Mar 14 2019
It is better we read the plea clearly. There are 2 very important points here. Bishops can not decide that is y perhaps they are bringing the points to the notice of the government of the day. one being Day of Religious Obligation for one Christians other that election or religious duty will come in the way of the Election code of conduct. During the Election gathering of people near the Polling stations is prohibited, and many polling stations happen to be in the premises where Christian Obligatory prayers are held.
So, it is the duty of the Government / Election commission to see how it will hold elections and where...?
on religious grounds first point to be noted and on Election / administrative grounds second point to be noted.... as it stands EC will be doing dis-service to itself if it goes ahead with the polls on such a day and at such polling booths.
it is no right or wrong on bishops... it is only a request for clarity as to what should happen if the Polls have to be conducted as per the EC Norms.

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Mario, Puttur
Wed, Mar 13 2019
We as citizens of India are obliged to follow up on our Civic duties as much as our religious.I cannot believe that there is any Christian who will will be spending an entire day in church.If having a pooling booth close to the church disturbs you with being one with god ,then please stay at home and pray I am sure that god will understand.Hope the bishops understand that their responsibilities towards us are only in guiding us through the spiritual world.I have not elected them to be my Representatives in matters like these so please don't make these stupid requests .Hope we see some real good development in our country.God be with you all and Jai hind.By the way I am a Christian from Mangalore expecting only development and not partial to any political party.

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Rathan, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
As per Hindu calender lot of festivals r there on all polling days right from April to May. The duty of the citizen is to cast his right and duty of voting irrespective of their religion.
Jai Bharath

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queeni, mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Looks like many did not understand that there are N number of government employees who are on duty for election far away from their residence and makes it impossible to reach church for obligation mass. Masses in Mangalore begin from 4pm for elderly people, attendees of old sick people, young mothers.
so many christians comments sound they think not about of others ? whats the use of obligation mass for these? Election could have been on 23rd april for entire karnataka.

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James Fernandes, Barkur/Chicago
Wed, Mar 13 2019
It's good to get reminded about what we profess to be christians without using words.

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Nation First, Bangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
For me Country comes first, I too demand there should not be any elections in this country, i am tired of elections, politicians & all the nonsense in the media which is deviding the citizens. Let competent IAS officers rule this country & make this country a united force, is that possible? if not, make it possible ASAP. Let us all unite first as Indians.

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Dr Gerald PInto, Kallianpur
Wed, Mar 13 2019
See that after changing the election not to be held on Holy saturday or easrer day. MOst non christian do not know about Holy saturday and we cannot claim any concession for this day. Since Easter comes on sunday ist is nor among chiritian festival so till now cet and other exams were on this day. I India every day is a festival day.

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Charles D'Mello, Pangala
Wed, Mar 13 2019
I think, it is not a big issue for attending mass after voting being a holiday. If it was a working day also Christians would have attended Mass after working hours.

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DK, Udupi
Wed, Mar 13 2019
I've got to renew my bus pass on that day. I too demand change in polling dates.

DisAgree [50] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse
SACHIN, Mangalore
Thu, Mar 14 2019
DK mande pette aylekka paterondu ullaratta marre, need urgent treatment

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akil, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
If change the date its good, if not change the date also not bad. All christian will vote if they will keep on Good friday also.

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John Tauro, M'lore/ Kwt
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Maundy Thursday is both a working day as well as voting day. Obviously almost all workers / office goers will get leave or excuse to come late in the morning or allowed leave early in the evening on the pretext of casting their vote. I don’t think it will cause genuine inconvenience to attend mass in the evening and all church schools are not used as polling stations. Private schools are used for polling only in places where there are no government schools.

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Rehna, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
John I think you are ignorant. Most of the churches have schools & voting takes place up to 5 to 5.30 pm. Some schools are Im the church compound , if that is the case how the ceremony of Maundy Thursday can take place. If they really want the election to take place , govt should see voting should take place in the schools which are not in the church premises.

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John Tauro, M'lore/ Kwt
Wed, Mar 13 2019
@ Rehna, what I said is only some church schools are used as polling stations, especially in areas where there are no govt. schools. For instance in my place the govt. primary school in the vicinity is used and not the church school.

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Anand Moras, Oman, Bajpe
Wed, Mar 13 2019
I will do nation and as well as religion duty.
We vote for democracy.
Bishop is wrong requesting Election commission body requesting to postpone the date..
Its ones righeous responsibility to vote once eligible for the same.

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Rita, Germany
Thu, Mar 14 2019
Anand M Bajpe Oman,Bishop has the right to see that every catholic does his duty towards country and the religious aspects.It is not first time most of exams or any govt. elections etc.are conducted on catholic holidays but never on a hindu holidays.This time it is not a holiday but important religious function.maany will be not able to decide which is first and whether possible.Thatswhy Bishop had written to the govt.the importance.They may not be knowing how important for us.

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Peter Saldanha, Udupi
Wed, Mar 13 2019
India has hundreds of faith and beliefs, if every one start objecting nothing will move,,,Bishops should focus on other issues related to the community....

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Wilson, UDUPI
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Mr Peter I do agree with you, if I have duty then as per these bishops i should not go and my salary will get from them on that day collection.

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Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai
Thu, Mar 14 2019
Stop Impersonating ...

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Kiran D, Bangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
I don't support Bishops demand, I don't like religious leaders interfering in such a small thing, this is why Christians are moving away from this type of Religious leaders. They are only there for milking the community of their wealth and enjoy lavish life style and act during such occasions (they themselves know it's impossible,but still act) as if they are the custodians of the Christians.

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Sri Pada Swamy, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Which humanitarian issue you have supported so far including raping and murdering innocent young women even Hindus and garlanding the accused who are your own beasts with garland, honour and promotions.
BTW, do you believe in religion and love God or using as your tool to fool people??????...

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Alwyn, Canada
Thu, Mar 14 2019
What you mean by milking the wealth. Your mental health has to be checked blaming for the bishops for no reasons
May be you are the lost sheep born again group just sit and blame the bishops

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Sri Pada Swamy, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
EC will acts as per communal BJP's dictat. EC even put hurdles for Muslims to hold elections during fasting month of Ramadan. This is all intentional and with full knowledge of the govt. it's not only mass for Christians in the evening but to stand in the queue to vote and for other family members to go to work and school, then come home and then get ready to go to mass is very uncomfortable. There is nothing wrong in putting forward these issues to the govt. All have right and govt should address these genuine issues. Christians be bold, don't feel intimidated and bow down. You don't have to. It's your right and govt wants to snatch it. Without fight nobody in the world will give you right even though you have the right.

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Thomas Pinto, Mumbai
Wed, Mar 13 2019
your name sounds fake...be a man, and come out of Burkha..

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Sri Pada Swamy, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
So is yours. I am for all man kind without any boundaries of religion. Are you?????...

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Af,,, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
There are so many private company and small organisation transport company workers ,hospitals, do have holiday on voting day, but given permission time for vote, now these people whom to question or demand thier need.

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Gangaram, Moodbidri
Wed, Mar 13 2019
its a valid point!!!! indeed many catholic church schools will have polling booths.... but its public holiday so they can vote in the morning and evening can join the religious service..

POLICE SHOULD NOT LATI CHARGE IN THE NAME OF ELECTION CODE OF CONDUCT!!! at church services..

The letter of Archbishop also states that, being a holy day, scores of Christians will throng the churches and this may cause violation of Election Code of Conduct which says that public should be at least 100 meters away from the polling stations.

Copies of the letters are sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi also.

DisAgree [4] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse
WILFRED FERNANDES, DUBAI/VAMADAPADAVU
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Voting is also holy thing to do...........

DisAgree [24] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

Sampath, India
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Naach na jaane ...

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Vincent, Mangalore - Dubai
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Such a stupid request by Bihops.

I feel sad and sorry to read this news.

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Sanjay, Hebri
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Incredible India...

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Jason, Mangaluru
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Many of the school's run by Catholic are the pooling booth and surely open air celebration may cause inconvenience. For me relegion and nation both are important

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M S Lobo, Mangaluru
Wed, Mar 13 2019
You are right Jason. Many people who commented here did not understand the main problem.

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Mohan Prabhu,, Mangalore (Kankanady)/Ottawa, Canada
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Sounds ridiculous. For the sake of "few constituencies" all others will have to vote a day earlier (not later, as the following day is a Good Friday - and the same objection would have been made by the Bishops). Besides obligatory mass on Maundy Thursday is not universal. As Jossy indicated, most people are at work, including Catholics, so they can attend services after 5 pm. Churches can hold an evening mass if the priests are willing.

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SBM, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Mass is after 5 only. Probably around 6 pm. So the issue is utter waste of time.

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RUDOLPH, MANGALORE
Wed, Mar 13 2019
APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OF BISHOPS.

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Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai
Wed, Mar 13 2019
You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42 ...

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Stephan Dsouza, Bengaluru
Wed, Mar 13 2019
I am Christian, lives in Bengaluru. I feel sorry to read this news. For some of us, Religion FRST and Nation NEXT!!
This should not happen. I will attend the mass on Thursday, and also I will cast my vote Because nation is first for me. We should be broad-minded and come out from such small thoughts.
May 4th or 5th Ramadan starts, does that mean all elections after May 5 should be postponed??

DisAgree [35] Agree [59] Reply Report Abuse

Alwyn, Canada
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Re read the article first and then comment. Nation first for sure none objects but take time to read the article or letter once again before your comment

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SBM, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Correct. It is added bonus that it is not a working day. i don't understand what this issue is all about. I have heard in lot of Sherman saying voting is a holy deed. And now they give this hypocritical statement.

DisAgree [35] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse
Prakash Dcunha, Bajpe / Dubai
Wed, Mar 13 2019
What a big deal if you can go and vote do that , I can’t go , What my Bishop told is. Absolutely correct they must postpone the date otherwise I don’t vote come what may ,

Prakash Dcunha
Bajpe / Dubai

DisAgree [11] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse
Af,,, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Good friday holiday itself starts cancelling in Gujarat ,this request is least bothered .

DisAgree [11] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse
SBM, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Did they consult catholic public whether they are having inconvenience? As i see there is no such inconvenience as polling will be during the day time and will wind up before evening. Additionally, it will not be a working day. So it is very convenient, unlike previous years where people had work till evening and then they had to attend mass.
It is not even an issue

DisAgree [29] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse
SBM, Mangalore
Wed, Mar 13 2019
I think people who have disagreed were convenient if it was a working day right. With all the traffic, and time required to freshen up, get ready and attend mass.

DisAgree [22] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse
Rakesh Dsouza, Mangalore,Oman
Wed, Mar 13 2019
Read the article once again!

DisAgree [3] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse
Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai
Wed, Mar 13 2019
We will attend Church Services after 5 PM ...

DisAgree [7] Agree [59] Reply Report Abuse

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Bengaluru: Maundy Thursday for Christians– Bishops seek change in polling date

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Comment on this article

kavi, vittal/Dubai

Agnel Rajan, Tiruchirapalli

ASHLEY ALOYSIUS MONTEIRO, Mangalore Dakshina Kannada

Ashraf, Mangaluru

Joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

Alwyn, Canada

Agnel, udupi

Mario, Puttur

Rathan, Mangalore

queeni, mangalore

James Fernandes, Barkur/Chicago

Nation First, Bangalore

Dr Gerald PInto, Kallianpur

Charles D'Mello, Pangala

DK, Udupi

SACHIN, Mangalore

akil, Mangalore

John Tauro, M'lore/ Kwt

Rehna, Mangalore

John Tauro, M'lore/ Kwt

Anand Moras, Oman, Bajpe

Rita, Germany

Peter Saldanha, Udupi

Wilson, UDUPI

Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

Kiran D, Bangalore

Sri Pada Swamy, Mangalore

Alwyn, Canada

Sri Pada Swamy, Mangalore

Thomas Pinto, Mumbai

Sri Pada Swamy, Mangalore

Af,,, Mangalore

Gangaram, Moodbidri

WILFRED FERNANDES, DUBAI/VAMADAPADAVU

Sampath, India

Vincent, Mangalore - Dubai

Sanjay, Hebri

Jason, Mangaluru

M S Lobo, Mangaluru

Mohan Prabhu,, Mangalore (Kankanady)/Ottawa, Canada

SBM, Mangalore

RUDOLPH, MANGALORE

Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

Stephan Dsouza, Bengaluru

Alwyn, Canada

SBM, Mangalore

Prakash Dcunha, Bajpe / Dubai

Af,,, Mangalore

SBM, Mangalore

SBM, Mangalore

Rakesh Dsouza, Mangalore,Oman

Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

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Title: Bengaluru: Maundy Thursday for Christians– Bishops seek change in polling date

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