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In a surprise move, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President M Karunanidhi has urged the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government to amend the Constitution to extend the benefit of reservation to Dalits belonging to Christian and Muslim communities. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a copy of which was released to the media on 14 February 2006, the DMK President, whose party is a key constituent of the UPA, said Dalit Christians and Muslims should be extended reservations on the analogy of facilities extended to Dalit Sikhs and Dalit Buddhists. ”There is no denying the fact that while there are some privileges now available to the Scheduled Castes belonging to Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist religions, the Dalits among Christians and Muslims have been deprived of their fair share in them on grounds of their religion,” Karunanidhi said. The DMK leader said in order to drive home the fact that the UPA government was genuinely concerned about the wellbeing of Christians and Muslims, especially Dalits in those religions, it would be more appropriate if a Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the ensuing Budget session for amending the Constitution. The quantum of reservation to Dalit Christians and Muslims could however be left to the discretion of the state governments, he added. Karunanidhi’s open support would indeed work towards facilitating reservations for Dalit Christians who have been struggling for long to get the benefits extended to Dalit Buddhists and Sikhs. The All India Christian Council would welcome his initiative and support to help Dalit Christians realise their dream as soon as possible.
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