The Supreme Court ruled that individuals who convert to Christianity and maintain that faith cannot claim Scheduled Caste status, as per BJP leaders on Tuesday. The verdict was welcomed by BJP leaders, with Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar calling it “reasonable.” Chandrasekhar emphasized that reservations are intended for those historically deprived of opportunities, such as OBC, ST, and SC communities.
BJP MP Manan Mishra supported the decision, stating that misusing reservations by individuals who converted to other religions was unjust. He expressed hope that the verdict would be accepted by all. Dalit leader Lalla Babu Dravid in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, celebrated the ruling by distributing sweets, stating that the entire Dalit community welcomes the decision.
Opposition leaders acknowledged religious conversion as a personal choice but emphasized that reservations should not be based on religion. Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh highlighted the importance of personal choice in religious matters. Shiv Sena-UBT MP Arvind Sawant stressed that reservation should not be granted based on religion, citing the belief of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in uplifting all individuals regardless of religion or caste.
Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas urged the Indian government to clarify its stance following the Supreme Court’s verdict. He emphasized the need for all to abide by the law. The ruling has sparked varied responses from political leaders, with a focus on the implications of religious conversion on reservation benefits.
