Karnataka Christian leaders seek action on longstanding concerns 

BENGALURU, Karnataka (Indian Catholic News) — Christian leaders in Karnataka raised longstanding concerns with Mallikarjun Kharge, president of India’s main federal opposition Congress party, seeking his intervention on religious freedom, political representation, reservation and government appointments. 

Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore led the delegation, which met Kharge at his residence Sept. 14. Kharge is president of the Congress party and leader of the opposition in India’s upper house of Parliament. Karnataka Home Minister Priyanka Kharge also attended the meeting. The Congress party is currently ruling Karnataka state. 

The delegation said in a press release that it sought Kharge’s “intervention and support” to address issues affecting the Christian community and ensure that its “legitimate concerns and aspirations receive due consideration at the appropriate levels of government.” 

Repeal of anti-conversion law 

The delegation urged repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, commonly referred to as the Anti-Conversion Bill. 

It expressed concern about the legislation’s provisions and their implications for the Christian community, particularly regarding “the exercise of constitutional freedoms and the right to practise and propagate one’s faith.” 

Representation and reservation 

The delegation sought the nomination of a suitable Christian representative to the Karnataka Legislative Council. 

It said such representation would provide the community with “an appropriate platform to voice its concerns and contribute constructively to the legislative process.” 

It also demanded an exclusive 1% reservation for Christians under the Backward Class classification. The delegation highlighted the “socio-economic challenges” faced by sections of the Christian community and urged measures to create greater opportunities in education, employment and other areas of development. 

The delegation further sought “adequate and meaningful representation” for Christians on government boards, corporations and other statutory and nominated bodies. 

It said fair representation would enable community members to participate more effectively in public administration and contribute to the development of the state. 

Kharge assures consideration 

According to their statement, Kharge gave the delegation a “patient and attentive hearing” and held a detailed discussion on the issues presented. 

He “sought to understand the concerns raised by the representatives and acknowledged the importance of addressing matters relating to the Christian community.” 

Kharge assured the delegation that he would take up the issues with concerned state government leaders and “provide the necessary directions for their consideration and appropriate action.” 

The delegation expressed appreciation for the meeting and Kharge’s “patient and attentive consideration” of the issues raised. It also expressed hope that the concerns discussed would receive due attention and that appropriate steps would be taken by the state government. 

The delegation included Bishop Peter Paul of Mangalore, Bishop Francis Serrao of Mysore Jesuit Father Arun Lewis, lay leaders Praveen Peter and Anthony Vikram, and J.A. Kanthraj, public relations officer and spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bangalore. 

Read the press release.