India (MNN) ― India's election results reflect a vote against religious-based extremism.
The United Progressive Alliance, a secular coalition led by the Congress party, swept the elections. Once the results were announced, the Congress party wasted no time in electing Manmohan Singh as leader -- a move that formally sets the stage for his appointment as prime minister. Singh has vowed to lead a "stable, strong government which is committed to secular values."
Notes Glenn Penner of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, "We are grateful that the Indian people have expressed their rejection of the BJP's militant brand of Hinduism."
Dave Stravers with Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India calls it an answer to prayer. "There really is a spiritual battle going on for the soul of the country."
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its supporters are blamed for several anti-Muslim and anti-Christian pogroms, the most notable being Orissa's disaster.
However, Stravers observes that in spite of the change in government, the animosity believers endure has continued. "There was another attack against a relief camp. Christians who were forced into relief camps have been living in these horrible conditions for six months. Now, they're being attacked in the camps."
It will take time for things to settle down. A major question hangs in the air: will there be more tolerance for believers? Stravers says, "Be praying for peace. Be praying for authorities who are willing to protect the rights of minority Christians as well as Muslims and others who are attacked by Hindus."
All India Christian Council says some 713 million Indians were eligible to vote this year. There were total 8,070 contestants, including 556 women going to the polls. According to the constitution, a new government must be formed by June 2.
In the meantime, Mission India continues their work with church planters, literacy classes and Bible clubs. They're also reporting a great deal of fruit. "We don't even understand why there are so many new churches being planted and new believers coming by the millions into the church. We think that the Lord is moving in a remarkable way."
