BJP for protecting quota for ‘genuine SCs’, says its State president Madhav
The BJP has called for protecting the SC reservation benefits for “genuine SCs” and urged that the term “Dalit Christian” should no longer be used
The BJP has called for protecting the SC reservation benefits for “genuine SCs” and urged that the term “Dalit Christian” should no longer be used. The demand was made during a State-level roundtable on issues concerning Dalit Christians organised by the BJP SC Morcha here on Wednesday. Addressing the gathering, BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav said the term “Dalit Christian” had no constitutional basis and should be discontinued. Individuals who had embraced Christianity should instead be referred to as “Dalits converted to Christianity” and, if required, placed under a separate category.
The BJP was not against Christianity, but was seeking to safeguard constitutional benefits meant for the Scheduled Castes, he asserted. Madhav alleged that reservation benefits introduced to uplift historically disadvantaged SC communities were being misused by those who had converted to Christianity, resulting in the genuine beneficiaries losing opportunities in education, employment and political representation. “The BJP will continue its campaign until justice is ensured for eligible Scheduled Castes,” he said. BJP SC Morcha State president Panathala Suresh called for an end to “Dalit card politics,” alleging that constitutional rights intended for Scheduled Castes were being weakened and that Hindu Dalits were being denied their rightful benefits.
Several speakers echoed similar views during the conference. Physician and social activist Vamsi Tilak questioned the continuation of SC reservation benefits after religious conversion and referred to the Balakrishna Commission. MLA Ayyaji Vema alleged that reservation benefits were being monopolised, while SC/ST Rights Association president Garikimukku Subbaiah said constitutional safeguards for SC communities should be protected. Dalit Rights Association leader Mohan opposed the use of the term “Dalit Christian,” arguing that extending SC status to converted Christians would dilute the objectives of constitutional safeguards.
Religious speaker Radha Manohar Das said religious conversion was a personal choice, but alleged that reservation benefits should remain with those eligible under the Constitution.
The BriefWire