New Delhi [India], May 22 (NT): Following an Archbishop Letter row, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that India is one of those countries where minorities are safe and no one is allowed to discriminate anyone on the basis of caste and religion.

His media statement comes after the Archbishop of Delhi Archdiocese, Anil Joseph Couto, through a circular called upon the churches of the capital to launch a year-long prayer campaign ahead of the 2019 general elections.

"I have not seen the letter, but I want to say India is one of those countries where minorities are safe and no one is allowed to discriminate on the basis of caste and religion," he told reporters here.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said, "Every action has a reaction. I won't take a step that disrupts communal harmony. But if the church asks people to pray so that Modi government isn't formed, the country will have to think that people from other religions will do 'kirtan pooja'."

Ina an interview Anil Couto said to ANI, “ What else will I talk? Elections & govt concerns us. We've to have such govt that cares for freedom of people,rights&welfare of Christian community. I'm not meddling in partisan politics. We're just praying that nation should walk in right direction”.

“In all churches and institutions we pray &fast. We pray for our own renewal & that of country. Keeping in mind all that's happening in our country we said that we look forward to next election & next govt. Every govt should protect people&Constitution”, Couto added.

Archbishop Anil Couto, had released a circular to the Delhi churches on May 8, urging the Christian community to hold prayers and observe a fast on Fridays for the nation's sake.

"As we look forward towards 2019, when we will have a 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.

"I request that we observe a day of fast every Friday of the week by forgoing at least one meal and offering our penance and all our sacrifices for our spiritual renewal and that of our nation. Moreover, I earnestly request that we organize an hour of Eucharistic adoration every Friday at a convenient time in all our parishes, religious houses and institution specifically praying for our nation," added the circular. (NT)