The Justice K G Balakrishnan Commission’s first public consultation in Karnataka witnessed a strong opposition against extending Scheduled Caste (SC) benefits to Dalits who convert to non-Indian-origin religions, such as Christianity and Islam. The consultation, held on Tuesday, saw nearly 100 participants, with an overwhelming 95 per cent opposing reservations for Dalit converts to these religions.
Dominant Views Against Reservations
The consultation included a diverse group of individuals, such as members of various Dalit associations, Banjara pontiffs, religious leaders like Basavamurthy Madara Chennaiah Swami of Madara Guru Peetha, and BJP leaders. A significant majority of these participants argued that SC benefits should be exclusive to those who adhere to Indian-origin faiths, such as Buddhism and Sikhism.
Banjara Guru Peetha seer Sardar Sevalal Swami articulated the stance that religions born outside India, particularly Christianity and Islam, do not align with Indian cultural and ethical roots. He strongly opposed the extension of SC reservations to those who convert to these religions, suggesting that such a move would be inappropriate.
BJP SC Morcha president and Sakleshpur MLA Cement Manjunath echoed this sentiment, claiming that Christians have been enticing SC members to convert, only to subject them to continued ill-treatment within their new religious communities. He further alleged that this was part of a larger conspiracy by dominant Christian and Muslim groups to exploit SC reservations.
Personal Accounts and Arguments
Several personal stories and experiences were shared to support the argument against SC benefits for Dalit converts. Former BJP MLA Y Sampangi recounted an incident involving a family member who converted to Christianity and later faced difficulties during burial due to his Dalit background. Sampangi cited this as evidence that Dalit Christians should not be granted SC reservations, as they continue to face discrimination despite their conversion.
Another participant, Eeranna Mori from the Safai Karmachari Association, argued that Dalits who convert to Christianity or Islam enjoy dual benefits, receiving both reservation advantages and additional support from religious institutions, such as church funding for education and healthcare. Mori also raised concerns about the impact of conversions on familial bonds, describing how religious conversions often lead to the breakdown of family relationships.
Voices in Favour of Reservations
Despite the overwhelming opposition, there were a few voices advocating for SC reservations for Dalit converts. Writer and Dalit activist Cynthia Stephen argued that Dalit Christians should receive reservation benefits as they continue to face social discrimination, even after conversion. She contended that the basis for reservation should not be tied to religion, but rather to the continued experience of untouchability and social exclusion.
The Dalit Christian Federation also submitted a petition to the Commission, arguing that religious affiliation should not disqualify Dalit Christians from receiving SC reservations. They maintained that the core issue was the persistent discrimination faced by Dalit Christians, regardless of their religious identity.
Commission’s Response
Following the public hearing, Justice K G Balakrishnan requested that participants submit their written petitions to the Commission. The consultation marks an important step in the ongoing debate over whether SC benefits should be extended to Dalits who convert to religions outside of Indian-origin faiths. The Commission is expected to consider these opinions as it moves forward with its deliberations and eventual recommendations on this contentious issue.