Seelam Alleges Targeting of Dalit Christians Over Reservations

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader J.D. Seelam on Tuesday alleged that the NDA government is “systematically targeting Dalit Christians” by raising concerns over the continuation of reservation benefits guaranteed under the Constitution for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the Dalit Christians Conclave organised by the South India Baptists Association, Vizianagaram district unit, led by president R.S. John. The event brought together community leaders, activists, and representatives of various Christian organisations from across the region.

Mr. Seelam said the Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to choose and practise their religion. He emphasised that conversion or change of faith cannot be used as a basis to deny reservation benefits, which were introduced to address historical social discrimination and support marginalised communities. He cautioned against any attempt to link religious identity with eligibility for constitutional safeguards.

Former IAS officer and Liberation Congress Party founder G. Vijay Kumar and former IPS officer P.V. Suneel Kumar also addressed the gathering. They called upon Dalit Christians to unite and collectively work towards protecting their reservation rights and ensuring that existing constitutional protections are not diluted.

Speakers at the conclave expressed concern over what they described as increasing uncertainty regarding the status of Dalit Christians within the reservation framework. They urged sustained advocacy and legal efforts to safeguard their rights.

In his address, R.S. John stated that religious freedom is a fundamental right under the Constitution. He urged the government to consider enacting legislation that clearly protects the rights of Dalit Christians and removes ambiguity surrounding their access to reservation benefits.