India (MNN) — India’s upcoming elections hold the potential for change.

John Pudaite of Bibles For The World says, “There are critical elections in four or five states in November. These could be very telling for where the national elections will go in February and March.”

Believers are praying for an open-minded political contender to challenge the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist party. These authorities have a “no tolerance” policy concerning religious minorities.

“Persecution has increased since the current BJP government [came] into power in 2014 and was reelected in 2019,” Pudaite says.

“Radicalized Hindus feel increasingly empowered [to attack minorities] because they know the government isn’t going to do anything.”

Bibles For The World and its partners see an increasing openness to the Gospel nationwide.

“We see people coming to the Lord in large numbers, [and] we’ve seen a continuous growth in the body of Christ,” Pudaite says.

However, it’s hard to do ministry when you constantly have to watch your back.

(Photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs Canada)

“In the first eight months [of 2023], acts of violence against Christians occurred at the rate of two and a half per day. That’s already more than all of last year,” Pudaite says.

“Now, they’re going right into house fellowships; it’s not just the actual physical church [being attacked,] it’s anywhere Christians gather.”

The Lord holds the nations and their rulers in His hands. Pray that He will intervene and direct India’s elections according to His will.

“Pray for free and fair elections, as that’s an issue in India,” Pudaite requests.

“We’re continuing to pray that the more rational political parties will try to take advantage of these upcoming state and national elections to turn the tide and return the country to some level of sensibility.”

 

Header image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.