CM Revanth Reddy attends the Christmas dinner at LB Stadium

Affirming that the Christian community had helped the Congress come to power in the state, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy sought its support for the party in next year’s Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking at the government-sponsored Christmas dinner at Lal Bahadur stadium here on Friday, he recalled the horrific incidents in Manipur and slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not showing any concern for the violence-hit people. In stark contrast, Rahul Gandhi had visited the state and had met the affected families, he said.

Reddy said, "The mission of the Congress is to ensure people’s welfare and to always stand for the powerless."

He promised pastors and the clergy that they would be given honorarium, while adding "we will follow the path of Jesus Christ."  The event had a large gathering of bishops, pastors and Christina institutional leaders.

Incidentally, there were cutouts of Revanth Reddy as Santa Claus. The 200-member United



Christmas choir rendered  carols.

Anusha Stanley Namburi said, "this was my first experience in this choir and the first in a government-sponsored Christmas celebration. The atmosphere was like a mega Christmas celebration. The Chief Minister praising our team added to our joy."

Awards were given to those who had contributed to society. Sanjeev Sali was rewarded for his musical contributions. Whenever there is a death in a Christian family and the body is kept at home till the funeral, Sali and his team sing prayer songs and console the bereaved family. The service is free of charge.

Esther Rain, member of a committee, said, "the community is happy as the Chief Minister is fulfilling all the promises he has made. He has assured the betterment of the Christian community. Apart from other delightful events, his speech, I am sure, captured the hearts of all Christians present on the occasion."