A large meeting of Dalit pastors, Christian leaders, and community representatives was held at the YMCA Secunderabad auditorium to discuss strategies for securing Scheduled Caste (SC) status for Dalit Christians. More than 1,000 delegates from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana participated in the discussion.
The meeting focused on caste discrimination faced by Dalit Christians and renewed demands for inclusion in SC category benefits.
Call for Unity and Political Awareness
Speaking at the gathering, Manda Krishna Madiga, founder president of the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi, urged the community to unite and build political awareness.
He said Dalit Christians must strengthen their collective voice. “We must stand together and fight for justice,” he said, stressing that unity was essential for achieving Scheduled Caste recognition.
Madiga also pointed out that while many religious groups have become politically active, churches have not played a strong role in mobilising the community.
Criticism of Historical Exclusion and Political Parties
Madiga criticised the 1950 Presidential Order, saying it had excluded Dalit Christians from SC benefits. He also accused the Congress party of failing to deliver justice to the community despite long years of political support.
He said, “Decades of loyalty have not brought justice,” and called for a reassessment of policies that he believes have continued caste-based exclusion.
He further referred to the recent Supreme Court judgment on the issue, saying it has deepened concern within the community. “Discrimination is still not resolved,” he said.
Demand for Legal and Policy Changes
Leaders at the meeting demanded repeal or amendment of Paragraph 3 of the 1950 Presidential Order, which restricts SC status based on religion. They also sought implementation of recommendations made by the Justice Ranganath Misra Commission.
Gaddapati Vijay Raju, national president of the All India Christian Federation, said urgent legal intervention is needed in ongoing cases, including petitions pending in the Supreme Court.
He also urged the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to support their demand for equal rights and recognition.
Electoral Strength Highlighted
Speakers at the event also pointed out the political significance of Dalit Christian voters in the Telugu states, claiming that their numbers could influence election outcomes if mobilised effectively.
Leaders called for increased participation in democratic processes to push their demands forward.
