Vijayawada (AsiaNews) – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu took part in Christmas celebrations to underscore his closeness to the Christian community in this holiday season.
The political leader attended Mass on 25 December at the Gunadala Mary Matha Shrine in Vijayawada.
A day earlier, from his office, he had issued a message of congratulations to the Christian community, announcing his presence at the festivities.
Describing Jesus as "the prince of peace," the head of the state government expressed his appreciation for God made man who spread the ideals of peace and justice and always supported the cause of the poor.
During Christmas Mass, which he attended along with the top Andhra Pradesh officials, he announced that he would support plans to make the shrine a national site, to accommodate faithful from around the world. This will represent "great progress and development" for the state capital, he said.
After the Mass, Chandrababu Naidu (pictured) cut the cake together with Fr Chinnappa Merugumala, the shrine’s rector. He used the occasion to announce measures to help the poor and marginalised. In addition, all the churches of the state will be able to benefit from a renovation programme.
Addressing the leaders of the local Church, the chief minister urged them to contribute more to education, starting with schools and other educational facilities in the new capital of Amaravati.
Hundreds of people, of all faiths, took part in Christmas celebrations, visiting the Marian shrine and other Christian places of worship in the state.
The main message was unity and sharing in a country, India, that has often seen Hindu extremist movements attack Christians and other religious minorities.