Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting and photograph with Pope Francis in Rome has brought about a lot of attention towards the Catholic community especially in the poll bound states of Goa and Manipur.
While the community has a substantial presence and can determine the fate of the governments next year, the meeting could not have come at a better time.
However, that said, the BJP, since it is ruling both the states, should avoid taking the community for granted. One photograph cannot change the fortunes of any party. In fact, the decision to invite the Pope to India is a political one.
I'm afraid the Catholic Community and its leaders should avoid falling into the trap laid by the political leadership. One cannot forget how late Fr Stan Swamy was treated by the same leaders who are creating a votebank for short term gains.
