In what can be seen as another move towards minority appeasement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has stated that the DMK government is open to contemplate extending reservations to individuals from the Backward Classes (BCs) and Most Backward Classes (MBCs) who have embraced Islam.
On 15 February 2024, Stalin addressed the Legislative Assembly and expressed the State government’s willingness to explore the extension of reservations to individuals from the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, and de-notified communities who had embraced Islam.
This came in response to Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) floor leader M.H. Jawahirullah’s plea highlighting the denial of reservations to converted members of these communities.
Chief Minister Stalin assured that the government would consult legal experts and take necessary steps. He acknowledged the DMK government’s commitment to enhancing the socio-economic and educational status of Adi Dravidar, Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, and de-notified communities, emphasising their protection.
In 2023, the Tamil Nadu Assembly, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, passed a resolution urging the Centre to amend the Constitution for statutory protection, rights, and concessions, including reservations, for Scheduled Caste members who converted to Christianity. BJP opposed, walked out. Stalin defended the move, emphasising the need for social justice. BJP accused the resolution of being a diversion from recent issues targeting Scheduled Castes.
The Madras High Court in 2022 ruled that individuals who convert to another religion cannot retain their original caste or community for the purpose of claiming reservations. In the case of U Akbar Ali v The State of Tamil Nadu and another, the court clarified that caste-based reservations cannot be sought post-conversion.
It is noteworthy to remember that just a few days ago before the anniversary of the 1998 Coimbatore blasts, the DMK government had released 3 convicts involved in the blasts.
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