Father Faustine Lobo, spokesperson for the Episcopal Conference of Karnataka State, called the appointment “a privilege for the Christian minority in India”. Alva’s appointment is a recognition of the important role played by Christians in India in the fields of education, health and development.

The former editor of the weekly Raknno of the Diocese of Mangalore, Father Francis Rodrigues, said the Catholic Church could be proud of the appointment, whether Alva wins or not. “Margaret Alva is one of the few politicians with high managerial skills, widely respected and popular as an uncorrupt politician,” he pointed out.

Long political career

Alva, 70, from Mangalore and a member of the opposition Congress party, has served as governor of four Indian states, a member of the national government and a five-time member of India’s parliament. Governors are the heads of Indian states, which are ruled by a prime minister.

The election for the vice-presidency by the 788 deputies of the two chambers of parliament will take place on August 6. Deputies of the ruling Hindu nationalist party “Indian People’s Party” (BNP) and their allies form the majority of the electorate. The ruling parties have nominated Hindu Jagdeep Dhankhar (71), a former governor of West Bengal, for the post.

The new president was elected on Monday by around 4,800 members of the electoral assembly, and the result is due to be announced on Thursday. The most promising candidate is Draupadi Murmu (68), who was nominated by the ruling party, the BNP. If elected, she will be the first Adivasi to hold the post of head of state. Adivasi is the collective term for the indigenous peoples of India, who represent an oppressed and exploited minority.

(cap/kna – mg)