After Christmas, PM to host high tea for community leaders

Last Christmas in Delhi was mired in controversies over cancelled holidays after the Central government declared December 25 as “Good Governance Day.” This year however, Prime Minister Narendra Modi intends to play if not Santa, then at least a good Samaritan at yuletide.

The high tea has been organised for December 29 at the residence of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at the behest of the Prime Minister. Mr. Modi will meet members of the Christian community over high tea to reach out and soothe anxieties after a series of church attacks earlier this year.

This is the second such outreach with the community, after Home Minister Rajnath Singh attended a celebratory Christmas dinner organised by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India on Thursday evening.

“The Prime Minister had earlier met members of various Christian denominations in Delhi in April in the backdrop of attacks on churches in Delhi and elsewhere,” said a source in the government. “Last year, Christmas was also marred by the fact that there was a controversy over celebrating Good Governance Day on December 25 and keeping schools open. This year, the Prime Minister is determined to wipe that slate clean,” said a source. A former Kerala legislator and now member of the BJP is helping to organise the event.

“The guest list will be comprise about 150-160 people. Bishops, priests, intellectuals, professionals and prominent public figures from the community have been invited,” said the source.

Members of the Delhi archdiocese have confirmed that they will be attending the event.

While it is speculated that pressure from the U.S. government on the intolerance debate raging in India may be behind the event, government sources say that the Prime Minister had attended the celebration of the elevation to sainthood of Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Mother Euphrasia in February this year and has been meeting members of the community at various times.