BJP opposes demand to delist ST converts

SHILLONG, Feb 6: In the wake of the RSS-backed Janajati Dharma- Sanskriti Suraksha Manch deciding to protest demanding to delist tribals who have undergone religious conversion, from Scheduled Tribe (ST) status which gives them entitlement to reservation in jobs, the State BJP has registered its strong opposition against the demand
“As a party from Meghalaya we will oppose it. It is our duty to protect our community and Christianity,” State BJP chief Ernest Mawrie said on Monday.
BJP leader and Cabinet minister, Sanbor Shullai, on the other hand, abstained from a direct response, and stated that if anything were to happen to Christians, he would be the first to lead a delegation to the Centre, even to the Prime Minister’s Office, if necessary.
On Sunday, the Janajati Dharma Sanskriti Suraksha Mancha decided to step up its agitation for delisting the ST converts.
The Assam-based organisation is all set to organise a ‘Chalo Dispur’ programme on February 12 to push both the central and state governments to amend Article 342A of the Constitution of India for facilitating the delisting process.
On the sidelines, Mawrie responded to allegations of poaching by the BJP, saying, “if a candidate feels he can perform better by aligning with BJP, it is his right of choice. We are not talking about poaching people but coming and joining us themselves”.
He cited that MM Dango left the NPP and joined the BJP as he was elated with the announcement of building the Ranikor Maheshkhola road via Baghmara since his constituency is said to lack development.