NPP urges Modi to defer Digital India Day

The National People's Party (NPP), a BJP ally, on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defer the Digital India Day to be held on April 14, which is a Good Friday.

"With my sincere concern for the Christian communities who strongly believe that Good Friday is a holy auspicious moment, I humbly suggest you to kindly defer the Digital India Day so that the secular fabric of India remains honoured both in writing and spirit," NPP Lok Sabha member Conrad K. Sangma said in a letter.

Good Friday is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. It is observed as a day of prayers, penance and fasting to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ nearly 2,000 years ago.

On Tuesday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had also raised objections against the BJP-led NDA government for its decision to observe Digital India day on Good Friday.

He said the Central government had already communicated to the states that they wanted to have a Digital India day on Good Friday, but said the Meghalaya government would not participate.

"Is it that they selectively identifying these dates to marginalise the minorities with a complete disregard to the Constitutional obligation of ensuring personal liberty?" the Congress leader asked.

"Why are they so selective in identifying dates to observe some national programmes, such as selecting Christmas day for Good Governance Day, Good Friday for Digital India Day?"

The Chief Minister said that people should be given space including government employees to engage themselves in their respective culture or religious activities.