Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly today adopted a resolution urging the Centre to amend the Constitution, to extend reservation to members of the Scheduled Castes, who have converted to Christianity.
The resolution, moved by Chief Minister M.K.Stalin, was adopted unanimously. Earlier, BJP members led by MLA Vanathi Srinivasan (Coimbatore South) staged a walk out from the House opposing the resolution.
The resolution urged the Centre to extend statutory protection, rights, and concessions, including reservations, to Adi Dravidars who have converted to Christianity.
Mr Stalin said even after converting to Christianity, Adi Dravidars continued to face caste atrocities. Hence, it was only fair to extend the benefits given to others of the Scheduled Caste communities to them as well.
“The Adi Dravidars, even after converting to Christianity, continued to face caste atrocities, including untouchability, and that this issue has to be considered in a kind manner”, he said.
“As per the Constitution, persons, other than those who have converted to Sikhism and Buddhism, cannot claim the status of the Scheduled Castes”, he noted.
However, since they remain Scheduled Castes historically, it is but fair to extend the benefits (given to others of the SC community) to them. They can get education and employment only through reservation and achieve status and growth in society,” the Chief Minister said.
Later, the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
