SC Status Not Applicable To Dalit Christians: BJP
Gudise Devanand cites constitutional provisions and court rulings, accuses political parties of creating false expectations over reservation benefits.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2026-05-31 17:19 GMT
VIJAYAWADA: BJP state vice-president Gudise Devanand has said that Scheduled Caste (SC) reservation benefits do not apply to persons who have converted from Hinduism to other religions and that Dalit Christians do not currently enjoy constitutional recognition as Scheduled Castes.
Devanand said on Sunday in Vijayawada that courts in the country had repeatedly delivered clear verdicts on the matter. He alleged that campaigns by certain political parties seeking SC status for Dalit Christians were misleading the public and creating false expectations contrary to constitutional provisions and judicial rulings.
The BJP leader accused the YSRC of attempting to provoke Dalit Christians for political gain, describing the use of sensitive social issues for electoral purposes as irresponsible.
Emphasising the need to uphold the rule of law, Devanand said respecting legislation and court judgments was the responsibility of every citizen. He urged the government to take action against those who, he alleged, were spreading misconceptions and creating tensions among social groups.
He called for all discussions and demands on the issue to remain within the framework of the Constitution and judicial decisions while appealing to the public to safeguard social harmony and peace.