At a meeting or rather felicitation ceremony conducted by the Tamil Nadu Christian Churches Federation on 9 June 2026, VCK MLA and TVK ally, minister Vanni Arasu made a speech where he reportedly identified as a Christian and promised to the Christian community that Dalits who had converted to Christianity will have their benefits restored even after conversion.

Speaking at the event, he said, “I deem it my duty to convey my greetings and respects to everyone present here to the respected Reverend Philip Nelson Leo, who is presiding over this conference organized by the Federation of Christian Churches of Tamil Nadu; to the respected Brother Ranganathan, President of the Perumbakkam Panchayat Council; and to the bishops and the Christian community participating in this gathering. I see many ministers of the Gospel, evangelists, and members of the Christian community who have traveled from various districts to make this conference a success and are striving to ensure that the demands raised here are fully realized; to all of you, I once again offer my greetings and respects.”

Speaking about the minority benefits following a conversion to Christianity, he added, “Several demands have been put forward on behalf of this conference; notably, two of them are issues that we, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal (VCK), have consistently championed. We have demanded that Christians who have converted from the Dalit community should retain their Dalit identity and status within the Scheduled Castes list. Conversion does not alter one’s caste, nor does it eliminate the stigma, the atrocities, or the caste-based attacks faced by these individuals. The Union Government of India has previously blocked this move, citing various reasons. One might convert from Hinduism to Buddhism, Jainism, or Sikhism, yet still be regarded as Hindu; however, converting to Christianity or Islam results in the loss of that Hindu classification. Without examining the underlying reasons why people leave Hinduism for these other faiths, a law was enacted during the tenure of President Rajendra Prasad that has, to this day, denied Dalits who converted the reservation benefits meant for Dalits, leaving the social stigma they face unchanged. Our leader, ‘Ezhuchi Tamilar’ Thol. Thirumavalavan, has been waging a long-standing struggle regarding this issue; indeed, he is the only leader who has raised this matter and fought for it within the Parliament. The leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal as well as the respected former Chief Minister on a previous occasion have articulated this position to you all, emphasizing that Dalits who have converted should receive the same reservation benefits as other Dalits. This is a crucial demand, and I wholeheartedly endorse it on behalf of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal. As the Minister for Social Justice, I will bring this matter to the Chief Minister’s attention; subsequently, the government will decide on its stance and make an official statement regarding it.”

He further said, “However, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) is a movement that has long fought for this cause led by our leader, ‘Ezhuchi Tamilar’ Thol. Thirumavalavan. In this context, today’s conference is truly significant, and I wish for its success. Among the many demands being raised today, a primary one concerns ‘Independent Churches.’ As you are aware, these ‘Independent Churches’ exist across India. The situation here in Tamil Nadu differs vastly from that in the northern states. If you were to learn about the news from the north, regarding the immense pressure and attacks faced while conducting services, holding prayers in churches, or even praying in homes, you would understand the gravity of the situation. There is a stark contrast between the northern states and Tamil Nadu. Regarding the attacks occurring there, specifically since the BJP, RSS, and Sangh Parivar organizations came to power – the Catholic Church has released a detailed research report documenting the number of churches demolished and the number of priests assaulted in the northern states. We have witnessed the events following the change of government in Tripura; the rallies held there involved severe attacks on churches and clergy. Such attacks are being perpetrated in northern states. Protections for minority communities are enshrined in the Constitution drafted by the revolutionary Dr. Ambedkar. Yet, there are those who question the very existence of minorities, asking, “Who are these minority people?” in a dismissive tone. This is a tactic aimed at undermining the safeguards meant for minorities. Dr. Ambedkar clearly listed the groups classified as minorities including Jains, Christians, Muslims, and Parsis. Their political and fundamental rights are guaranteed by the Constitution, and the Union Government of India, as well as the respective state governments, must ensure their protection. The Constitution grants individuals the right to embrace and propagate any religion; no one can obstruct this. Everyone has the right to speak about their chosen faith, as ours is a fully secular state. However, there are persistent attempts to transform this secular state into a religious one, specifically, a Hindutva or Sanatana state – driven by the Sanatana ideology of the BJP and RSS. We must understand this context and advance our political discourse accordingly. We must comprehend the politics behind this entire backdrop.”

Speaking about how Muslims were politically aware while Christians weren’t, he said, “Take the recent Citizenship Amendment Act, for instance. Did the Christian community including church workers and members, protest against it in the same way the Muslim community did? No; such participation was minimal, if not virtually non-existent. The reason I mention this is that, unlike the Muslim community which has been and continues to be politically mobilized, the Christian community lacks this level of political engagement. I want to state this openly at this conference: there is a genuine need for political mobilization. Yet, within the Christian community, we do not see that kind of unity, political awareness, or protest activity. The BJP government has introduced numerous laws, laws that are clearly detrimental to minority communities and still, there has been no comparable response. When the Waqf Board Amendment Act was introduced, only the Muslim community protested; Christians and even the churches did not. Today, Muslims are being targeted; tomorrow, it will be the Christians. Today, Waqf properties are being targeted; tomorrow, Christian properties will be targeted. We often limit ourselves to praying in churches or focusing on spiritual service; however, there is a need to politically sensitize the people. We bear that responsibility, for even Jesus whom we love and worship, sought to guide people onto the right path and engage them in the political sphere. He is the one who fought against oppression.”

In what seemed like Vanni Arasu professing his religion to be Christianity, he said, “Beyond simply calling Him our God, our Jesus provided a magnificent roadmap for guiding these people and liberating them from subjugation and oppression; we must view matters from that perspective. The reason I mention this is that while our Muslim brethren are waging various struggles, opposing the policies and agendas of the BJP, are we participating in them? Because Christianity has transformed into a faith entirely shaped by the caste system. Whether one accepts it or not, this is the truth. That is why the Bible states: “There is neither Greek nor Jew, neither male nor female, neither free nor slave; for you are all one in Jesus.” Correct? Galatians 3:28. I mention this because the Constitution drafted by the revolutionary Ambedkar reflects this very principle; what is stated in the Bible is what is enshrined in the Constitution. The declaration that “there is neither Greek nor Jew” translates to the constitutional right ensuring there is no caste-based discrimination within human society. Yet, I leave it to you to consider the current state of Christianity.”

He continued, “So, in what direction must we move? Today, when the Union Government of India introduces detrimental policies targeting minority communities, we must unite with others to oppose such laws and schemes, and thereby safeguard the Constitution drafted by the revolutionary Ambedkar. This law is our safeguard; our protection depends on its continued existence. Therefore, we have a responsibility to politicize the issues regarding the oppression of Christians and Muslims. This alliance must function and provide leadership with a keen sense of that responsibility. This government is undoubtedly ours; a government committed to protecting minority communities. Under any and all circumstances, we, as your government, will certainly convey these demands to the Chief Minister. We will take these matters forward, specifically the long-standing demand to include Dalits who have converted to other religions in the Scheduled Castes (SC) list, a cause for which we have fought. We pledge to stand by you until this demand is successfully met.”

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