BJP leaders oppose Andhra govt’s resolution on SC status for Dalit Christians, meet Guv

Andhra BJP president Somu Veerraju and other leaders met Governor Abdul Nazeer on Monday and presented their appeal.
Abdul Nazeer
Abdul Nazeer
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The Andhra government on March 24 passed a unanimous resolution in the Assembly seeking the status of Scheduled Caste to the converted Dalit Christians and thus extending the benefits of reservation to them. Opposing this, however, the state BJP leaders have met the Governor and appealed to halt the process. 

Passing this resolution in the Andhra assembly, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the economic and social status of the people doesn't change automatically just because they convert to another religion.

The state BJP president Somu Veerraju and other leaders met Governor Abdul Nazeer on Monday, March 27, and presented their appeal. “The government’s decision to bring Dalit Christians into SC status is not acceptable. This should be immediately taken back. The decision affects the benefits that real Dalits are getting and CM Jagan should rethink about this. We demand to take back this resolution,” said Veerraju. 

Opposing the YSRCP government’s decision, BJP National Secretary Sunil Deodhar said, “According to the Constitution, if there is a change in religion, then SCs would lose their identity as SC. We will fight for the rights of Dalits.”

According to the rules, as of now, the Dalits who are practicing Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists only are considered in the Scheduled Caste category. The Dalits, who are practicing other religions, are either placed in Backward Class (in Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala) or in General Category (remaining states). However, this is preventing several Dalits from obtaining the benefits of schemes that are meant for the Scheduled Castes.

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