Ahmedabad, Apr 07: Taking strong exception to the Gujarat government's decision to withdraw Good Friday from its list of holidays, Christian community here have threatened to boycott the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Priests, bishops and other community leaders under the banner of All India Christian Council had also organised a dharna yesterday to protest against the move.

"Despite mass protests against the move that has hurt sentiments of Christians, BJP government has not taken any action. We shall not stay back from boycotting the Lok Sabha elections," AICC National Executive member Samson Christia said in a statement here. He claimed that the Gujarat High Court had in its judgement said cancellation of the holiday on April 9 was violative of constitution and not the law.

Christia said as per the constitution, Central government has declared public holiday on Good Friday in this year's list too but the state government has deleted it.

The AICC said it is even preparing to move Supreme Court over the issue. Even President of India had asked Gujarat Chief Secretary to take necessary steps in this regard, but even his directions have been overlooked, it said.

Bureau Report