India cannot afford to promote a particular religion, because it is home to people of many religions. As such, we have to give opportunities to persons of every religion to grow and live in harmony with others,” said All India Congress Committee (AICC) vice president Rahul Gandhi while addressing leaders of several minority communities here on Sunday. Before beginning his speech, the Gandhi scion had a formal interaction with leaders of communities.
The leaders discussed about their problems with him. During the interaction, a minority community member from Kandhamal district expressed his concerns over the lack of safety of the Christians, particularly after the 2008 riot. He alleged that neither the State Government nor the Central Government tried to settle their problems after the violence. The community leaders urged Gandhi for setting up of a commission for minority people in the country so that they can get a platform to air their voice. Gandhi stressed on the participation of minority communities for the development of the country. He assured that he would try to discuss with the Central leadership about the demands of the minority leaders. Gandhi emphasised on decentralisation of power in Congress by involving more people. He pointed out that the party in the State needs more guidance for strengthening of its power. “The party workers need to work out a positive outcome as elections are nearing,” Rahul added.