Andhra Christian leaders seek support from political party for Dalit Rights

Christian leaders in the state of Andhra Pradesh sought the help of a regional political party to gain support for the struggle of Equal Rights for Dalit Christians.

Archbishop Marampudi Joji of Hyderabad, Vice–President of Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC) along with Fr. Anthoniraj Thumma, the Executive Secretary of APFC met the President of TDP (Telugu Desam Party), Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu, last week.

During their meeting in Hyderabad, the Christians requested the politico to write a recommendation letter to the Prime Minister for extending Scheduled Caste status to the Christians of S.C. origin.

The Archbishop expressed his grief over the "prolonged and painful struggle of the Dalit Christians and the Church in India in acquiring equal rights to the Dalit Christians."

In addition, the Christian leader even quoted the report by the Ranganath Misra Commission and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) recommending the Govt. to amend para 3 of the Constitution Order 1950 to make the Scheduled Caste status equal

T. Stanley Babu, an Advisor in the Andhra Pradesh Government, who also participated in the meeting, reminded Naidu of his long–lost promise to do justice to the Christians of Scheduled Caste origin.

Fr Anthoniraj Thumma from the APFC beseeched Naidu to demand the Union Government to introduce the Bill in its present session of Parliament and undo the long pending injustice meted out to the Christians and Muslims of S.C. origin.

Naidu who was happy to receive the delegation showed keen interest on the issue and assured that he will do the needful for the Christian community in the State.

Last year, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination sharply criticised the Indian government for its failure to prevent discrimination based on caste.

In its report, it deplored widespread abuse perpetrated against Dalits. It found that more than 165 million Dalits continue to face segregation in housing, schools, and access to public services in the country, in spite of it being called the 'largest democratic' nation.