Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Christian Delegation Seeks Anti-Conversion Law Repeal, Reservation, Representation
A group representing Christians in Karnataka met Mallikarjun Kharge.
The group was led by Archbishop Peter Machado.
It asked for the state’s Anti-Conversion Act to be repealed.
The group said the law could affect religious freedoms and the right to practise and share a faith.
It also wanted a separate one per cent reservation for Christians.
The delegation requested a Christian member of the Legislative Council and more representation on government bodies.
One report said Priyank Kharge also attended the meeting, while another mentioned only Mallikarjun Kharge.
Kharge said he would discuss the requests with Karnataka government leaders.
A Christian delegation led by Bengaluru Archbishop Peter Machado met Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru over community concerns.
The delegation sought repeal of Karnataka’s Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, commonly called the Anti-Conversion Act.
It requested an exclusive one per cent reservation for Christians under the Backward Classes classification.
The delegation also sought a Christian nominee to the Legislative Council and greater representation on government boards and statutory bodies.
Kharge said he would raise the issues with state government leaders; reports differ on whether the meeting occurred on September 14 or 15 and whether Priyank Kharge also attended.
- Who
- A Christian community delegation led by Bengaluru Archbishop Peter Machado met Mallikarjun Kharge; one report also says Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge attended.
- What
- The delegation sought repeal of the Anti-Conversion Act, a one per cent Christian reservation, legislative representation, and places on government bodies.
- When
- Reports date the meeting to September 14 or September 15; the year is not specified.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- The delegation cited concerns about constitutional religious freedoms, socio-economic challenges, and limited political and administrative representation.
- Delegation leader
- Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore
- Political leader 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, 2022, commonly called the Anti-Conversion Act
- Reservation requested
- An exclusive one per cent reservation for Christians under the Backward Classes classification
- Current reservation described
- Christians were reported to fall under Category 3B, sharing a five per cent reservation with other communities and subgroups
- Representation requested
- A Christian nominee to the Karnataka Legislative Council and meaningful representation on government boards, corporations, and statutory bodies
- Reported response
- Kharge said he would take up the issues with concerned Karnataka government leaders
- Law background
- The law was passed under the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government; the Congress government announced plans to repeal it in June 2023, according to one report
