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Kandhamal: A Christian pastor, Dheenabhandhu Naik, filed
nomination papers to contest in the Lok Sabha polls from
Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency as an independent
candidate.
Pastor. Naik is a popular gospel preacher with a
prophetic gifting. He enjoys the support of all
Christians in Kandhamal district (30% of population) and
of all moderates among the Hindu community. Therefore,
he hopes to win this election.
Naik hails from Tiangiya village in Kandamal district.
He worked in various north Indian states with Delhi as
his base. However, for the past several years, he is
based in Kandhamal.
Christians in Kandhamal faced intense persecution from
Hindu extremists who burnt churches, schools, orphanages
and homes. Several thousands are still housed in relief
camps because they fear to return to their villages.
Having lost everything, these Christians distanced
themselves from all political parties. This is when Pr
Naik was encouraged by Christians to contest in the
coming elections.
In the aftermath of the murder of Swami Laxmanda
Saraswati, Hindu groups had falsely accused Pr Naik to
be among the key person behind the plot. Various Hindu
extremists had threatened to kill him. Yet, he refused
to accept any police protection that the government
offered him.
Pr Naik worked hard to bring solace to hundreds of
Christians who faced persecution and were housed in many
government and private relief camps. He and his
associates had to work clandestinely to avoid being
detected by Hindu mobs. Even today, he faces death
threats.
Pastor Naik hopes to bring restoration in the lives of
thousands of Christians whose lives were thrown out of
gear by religious bigots. He also strives to promote
religious harmony in his district. For the past several
months, he has succeeded in countering false propaganda
about Christians. Hindu groups allege that Christian
tribal groups are supporters of Maoists who had claimed
responsibility for Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.
This independent candidate seeks the prayers and support
of all wish to see normalcy return to this troubled
region. Election campaigning is done on a shoestring
budget mainly through word of mouth. Those who wish to
financially support the pastor's campaign may make
deposits to account number 10028291460 (SBI Seemapuri
branch) in favour of Mrs. Anubha Pradhan. The pastor and
his wife may be contacted on +91-9437417865 or by E-Mail
<hsrmindia@yahoo.com>
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