Tamil Nadu - Salem   

No SC status for Dalit converts, BJP to Centre

SALEM: The State BJP's Dalit Rights Conference has urged the Congress-led UPA government not to accord Scheduled Caste status to Dalit converts as it would be grave injustice to Hindu Dalits, who have been facing all sorts of discrimination in society.

The one-day State conference inaugurated by its former national president Bangaru Laxman and attended by State leaders, including president Pon. Radhakrishnan and Scheduled Caste wing president L. Murugan, here on Friday, pointed out that Dalits in the Hindu religion have been facing oppression and untouchability for long in the caste hierarchy. “If Dalit converts are included as per the recommendations of the Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission, they will eat into the benefits of Hindu Dalits in the spheres of education and employment. This will further deteriorate their livelihood conditions.”

It further claimed that even leaders such as B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajaji and Vallabai Patel had not approved of the request that Dalit converts, especially Christians, should come under reservation system, at a panel discussion on Constitution.

Nehru had written to Chief Ministers on July 27, 1961 on the issue and many Supreme Court verdicts had vouchsafed it.

Hence, the Mishra Commission report should not be implemented.

The conference alleged that the Centre and State government had diverted Special Funds for Scheduled Castes and Tribes for other purposes. While the Centre used the money for Commonwealth Games, the State diverted it for purchasing colour TVs meant for free supply. Both governments must bring out White Papers.

Retrieve lands

All Panchami lands must be retrieved and handed over to Dalits.

Former State presidents L. Ganesan, K. N. Lakshmanan and national spokesperson Ramnath Govind also attended.

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