Christian leaders’ forum (KJCLF) asks people to vote in polls 2023

Shillong: The Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) on Wednesday urged citizens to exercise their right to vote with a clear conscience on Election Day.

Additionally, the forum has condemned a political party for allegedly misusing the gospel song, ‘I have decided to follow Jesus’.
According to KJCLF Secretary Rev EH Kharkongor, the alleged act of misusing the gospel song, ‘I have decided to follow Jesus’ by a political party is insulting and insensitive.

He added that the act questions the maturity and integrity of the candidate and his party, and it is up to the voters to respond.
Recently, an FIR was registered against an NPP leader from Williamnagar for distorting a Christian devotional song that is considered sacred in the community. The leader allegedly replaced the word ‘Jesus’ with ‘NPP’ in a video uploaded on social media.

The forum has observed that election campaigning is intensifying in different parts of Meghalaya, with candidates and their parties using different tactics and expressions to garner support.
Rev. Kharkongor of KJCLF remarked that as ordinary citizens of the state, people participate in a backward cycle of criticism, praise, accusations, counter-accusations, evaluations, and aspirations to do better. During election season, political manifestos are presented in a variety of forms, including speeches, skits, and creative lyrics, but often the noise is too much for ordinary citizens in their communities to tolerate.
However, Rev Kharkongor emphasized that when matters involving the personal feelings of individual citizens are touched upon, they need to be questioned and scrutinized.

“It is with the full knowledge that the people will vote for a new government that will be committed to the welfare and future of the people without any prejudice or bias in promoting peace and harmony,” the KJCLF secretary added.