PM visits church on Easter; hope his followers get message of harmony, says NCP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church on Sunday on the occasion of Easter.

The Prime Minister was welcomed at the church with priests greeting him on the holy day. PM Modi later joined them as they offered prayers.

The Prime Minister planted a tree on the premises. After the visit, he tweeted, "Today, on the very special occasion of Easter, I had the opportunity to visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi. I also met spiritual leaders from the Christian community."

He lit a candle before the statue of Jesus Christ in the cathedral.

"Happy Easter! May this special occasion deepen the spirit of harmony in our society. May it inspire people to serve society and help empower the downtrodden. We remember the pious thoughts of Lord Christ on this day," the Prime Minister tweeted earlier in the day.

His visit to the church holds political significance as the BJP is trying to woo Christians.

Of late, he has been underlining the minority community's growing connect with the BJP by citing the party's poll successes in Goa and recently, in the two northeastern states of Nagaland and Meghalaya.

These states have a large Christian population. He has underscored his government's commitment to the mottos of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' and development for all without any discrimination.

The BJP is looking for support from the community in Kerala, the state with their largest population in the country, as it works to make a fresh headway there after tasting little success in previous elections. The party's leaders in the state also met with community leaders on Sunday.

It has to be noted that days ago Anil Antony, son of senior Kerala Congress leader AK Antony, a Christian, joined the BJP after quitting the Congress in January.

Meanwhile, the NCP said it was heartwarming to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting a church and the party hopes it was a message to his followers to live in harmony with all minority communities.

"Hope it is a message to his followers to live in peace and harmony with the Catholic community and all minority communities in India," Crasto said.