Christian and Muslim Dalit Indians threaten poll boycott

(March 02, 2011) Two groups representing dalit Christians and Muslims have decided to boycott parties in a forthcoming election that oppose their demand for statutory privileges. The National Council of Dalit Christians and the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz held a press conference on Tuesday to castigate the federal government for delaying their demand at a press conference in New Delhi. Christian and Muslim groups have for decades demanded statutory benefits to help their socio-economic advancement. The Indian constitution provides special seats in legislative houses, jobs and educational institutions for dalit groups in Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh religions. But Christians and Muslims are denied these benefits on the pretext that their religions do not recognize the caste system. Christians argue that such a stand violates the constitution that grants equal rights to all citizens. The meeting was held hours before the election commission of India, a federal body, and announced assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. “If the government fails to address our plea we will organize mass rallies in all five states where dalit Christians and Muslims are in sizeable numbers,” said Ali Anwar Ansari, a Member of Parliament and president of the dalit Muslim group. Ansari demanded the federal government must decide on the matter now, when parliament is in session and the five states are preparing for elections. He said all national parties, including the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party, support the groups. Father Cosmon Arokiaraj, secretary of the Indian Catholic bishops´ commission for tribal and dalit communities, said dalit Christians in Tamil Nadu would not vote for the ruling party because it did not support their cause.