Mamata backs Delhi Archbishop's letter, says 'It's a fact'

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said India does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of religion or sect, and such things will never be allowed in the country.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has backed Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto's letter, which states that 'democratic principles' and 'secular fabric' of the country are under threat, to all parish priests. Banerjee said that "It's a fact".

The letter has sent political temperatures soaring with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) terming it as a "direct attack on Indian secularism and democracy".

"We respect all communities, castes and Archbishops across the country, including that of Kolkata. I think whatever they said, they correctly said. It's a fact," Banerjee said.

Earlier today, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said India does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of religion or sect, and such things will never be allowed in the country.

Commenting on the issue, BJP president Amit Shah said, "No one should say such things, when it comes to religion."

Archbishop Couto's letter asked all parish priests to launch a prayer campaign and also appealed for fasting on Fridays ahead of the 2019 general elections.

"We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution and the secular fabric of our nation," the archbishop said while urging the Christians to pray for the political leaders of the country as the general elections are nearing.

"As we look forward towards 2019 when we will have new government let us begin a prayer campaign for our country from May 13, 2018 which marks the anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Mother at Fatima, consecrating ourselves and our nation to the Immaculate Heart," the circular read.

The Archbishop's office has denied any political motive in the prayer, calling it a standard practice before elections.