8 hrs ago
Christian Delegation Seeks Karnataka Reforms, Representation From Kharge
A group representing Christians in Karnataka met Mallikarjun Kharge.
The group was led by Archbishop Peter Machado.
They asked for a law called the Anti-Conversion Act to be repealed.
They said the law could affect religious freedoms.
They also wanted a Christian member nominated to the state Legislative Council.
The group requested one per cent reservation for Christians under the Backward Class classification.
It also asked for more Christians on government boards and other bodies.
Kharge listened and said he would discuss the concerns with state government leaders.
A Christian delegation led by Archbishop Peter Machado met Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru on Monday.
The delegation sought repeal of Karnataka’s Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, known as the Anti-Conversion Act.
It requested nomination of a Christian representative to the Karnataka Legislative Council.
The delegation demanded an exclusive one per cent reservation for Christians under the Backward Class classification.
It also sought Christian representation on government boards, corporations and statutory bodies; Kharge promised to raise the issues with state leaders.
- Who
- A Christian community delegation led by Archbishop of Bangalore Peter Machado met AICC president and Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
- What
- The delegation raised concerns about the Anti-Conversion Act, representation in the Legislative Council and government bodies, and reservation for Christians.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- When
- Monday, September 14; the year was not specified.
- Why
- The delegation sought action on concerns about religious freedoms, socio-economic challenges and political and administrative representation.
Key facts
- Delegation leader
- Archbishop of Bangalore Peter Machado
- Person met
- Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha
- Legislation challenged
- Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, commonly called the Anti-Conversion Act
- Reservation requested
- An exclusive one per cent reservation for Christians under the Backward Class classification
- Representation requested
- A Christian nominee to the Karnataka Legislative Council
- Additional demand
- Meaningful Christian representation on government boards, corporations and statutory and nominated bodies
- Response
- Kharge said he would take up the issues with concerned state government leaders









