Indian priest says moderate leaders will be in control of new govt

The results of the national elections held in nine phases will be known on May 16.

Father Faustine Lobo

India:  "I do not think that India will change in the next five years to become a nationalist and intolerant state," Father Faustine Lobo, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in India, has said in an interview with Fides Agency.

Father Lobo was in Rome to attend the General Assembly of the PMS held from May 7 to 10.

He listed the priorities for the new government and talked about the chances of the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its projected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is infamous for his extremist views.

The results of the national elections held in nine phases will be known on May 16.

“I do not think that the agenda of Hindu extremist groups may have the better,” the PMS Director, a theologian and political analyst, is not pessimistic about the future of the country.

"BJP cannot obtain an absolute majority and therefore will have to form a coalition government. The other parties could impose the condition that Modi cannot be the Prime Minister. So other more moderate leaders of the BJP could play an important role," he explained.

"In fact, the BJP is also internally divided and political manoeuvring tactics may favour other candidates of the same party," he said adding that the presence of many regional parties made the scenario very complex.

Father Lobo noted that the Congress Party, involved in several corruption scandals and unable to revive the economic fortunes of the country, has lost the trust and would be punished by the electorate.

“The new government will have the task to take care of development, communication, infrastructure, education,” Father Lobo said.

“These elements are also priorities for the work of evangelization; the development and well-being of the person are part of those basic needs that are necessary in order to announce the salvation of Christ. The Church in India is very involved and present in social activity and education," he explained.

Father Lobo expressed the happiness and appreciation of the Indian Church towards Pope Francis. "He is testifying to be really on the side of the poor. He has changed the image of the Church before the world. He has also changed the style of how to be a priest and pastor in India."

Source: Agenzia Fides