AHINDA Chaluvali appeals to Siddaramaiah-led Congress government to reclassify marginalized Christian communities within the state’s backward classes list
Bengaluru, April 16: Leaders of AHINDA Chaluvali, a collective representing Christians under the broader AHINDA umbrella, have urged the Karnataka government to address the continued marginalization of Christian communities in terms of social, educational, and political representation. In a press conference held at the Legislators’ Home in Bengaluru, they called upon Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress-led administration to implement corrective reservation policies that reflect the actual socio-economic status of Christians in the state.
Christian Leaders Highlight Continued Backwardness
The meeting, chaired by David Semion, former Deputy Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, brought together Christian community representatives who expressed deep concern over the lack of substantial progress despite their consistent support to progressive political movements in the state.
Speaking at the press conference, Siddaiah Murthy, State Chief Convener of AHINDA Chaluvali, stated:
“Christians who belong to Scheduled Castes but have converted are currently listed under Category-1 of the Backward Classes list. However, they fall outside the scope of special benefits extended to other backward groups within this category. We request the government to continue listing these communities in Category-1 but ensure they are not left behind in terms of welfare benefits.”
Call for Reclassification within Backward Class Categories
A major point of contention highlighted during the event was the current placement of Christian communities under Category III(B) of the Backward Classes list. Leaders argued that this grouping dilutes the benefits available to truly marginalized Christian groups.
J. Kennedy Shanthkumar, former Karnataka BJP Minority Morcha Member and Chairman of the Christian Development Council of Karnataka, remarked:
“Many castes currently in Category III(B) are socially and economically advanced. This has made it difficult for marginalized Christians to compete and access entitlements. We urge the government to move Christians out of this category and instead include them in a more homogeneous group that accurately reflects their socio-economic condition.”
Reference to Official Survey Findings
The leaders cited findings from comprehensive social and educational surveys conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, led by Kantharaju and Jayaprakash Hegde, which they said confirmed the backward status of Christian communities.
They also emphasized that despite Christians being a numerical minority, their contribution—especially under the AHINDA (Minorities, Backward Classes, and Dalits) coalition—played a key role in bringing the Congress government to power.
Appeal to Siddaramaiah Government
Concluding the event, David Semion reiterated the political and social investment made by Christian communities in supporting the current regime.
“We stood with the Congress and the AHINDA movement in its fight for justice and equality. Now, we respectfully ask the government to listen to our genuine concerns and take prompt action on our demands.”
The group has formally submitted a memorandum to the state government seeking urgent reclassification of Christian communities within the backward classes list and implementation of targeted welfare measures.
Implications
The appeal from AHINDA Chaluvali adds to the ongoing discourse in Karnataka on equitable reservation and community representation. With the state government already reviewing caste-based classifications and socio-economic data, this demand places pressure on the administration to address nuanced disparities within minority groups.
Whether or not the Siddaramaiah government responds favorably could impact its credibility among minority and backward communities ahead of upcoming local body and assembly election.
🔹 Quotes from Christian Leaders
1. Siddaiah Murthy
State Chief Convener, AHINDA Chaluvali
“Christian Dalits who converted from Scheduled Castes remain outside the purview of key benefits despite being in Category-I. We urge the government to rectify this gap and ensure justice through proper classification.”
2. J. Kennedy Shanthkumar
Former Chairman, Christian Development Council, Karnataka
“We are clubbed with communities that are far more advanced. This defeats the very purpose of reservation. Our people remain politically voiceless, economically poor, and socially marginalized.”
3. David Semion
Former Deputy Chairman, Karnataka Legislative Council
“Christians have always stood by the AHINDA cause and supported the Congress. Today, we ask for our rightful place in policy. Justice delayed will only deepen the divide.”
🔹 General Statements
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“Christian communities, especially those from Dalit backgrounds, continue to be treated unfairly within the current reservation framework. The government must recognize their ground realities.”
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“Our inclusion in broad categories like III(B) makes it impossible to compete with advanced castes. We are not asking for privilege—we’re asking for fairness.”
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“The Karnataka Backward Classes Commission’s own data supports our claim. This is the time for action, not delay.”
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“We demand that the government create or identify a homogeneous category that includes only those Christian communities that are genuinely backward.”
🔹 Q&A on Rights of Minorities
Q1: What is AHINDA Chaluvali demanding from the Karnataka government?
A: AHINDA Chaluvali, representing Christian community interests, is urging the Siddaramaiah-led government to reclassify marginalized Christian groups in the state’s reservation categories, citing continued social, political, and educational backwardness.
Q2: What is the problem with the current reservation categorization?
A: Leaders argue that Christians listed under Category III(B) are grouped with socially and economically advanced castes, making it difficult for backward Christian communities to access reservation benefits equitably.
Q3: What do Christian leaders want instead?
A: They want converted Dalit Christians to remain in Category-I with appropriate welfare measures, and other marginalized Christians to be moved to a more “homogeneous” group that accurately reflects their disadvantaged status.
Q4: How does this connect to the AHINDA movement?
A: AHINDA (an acronym for Minorities, Backward Classes, and Dalits) was a key social alliance that helped bring the Congress government to power in Karnataka. Christian leaders say their support must now be reciprocated through fair policy changes.
Q5: Is there data supporting these demands?
A: Yes, the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission’s recent survey reportedly affirms the socio-economic and educational backwardness of several Christian groups, strengthening the call for reclassification.
