People who left Hindu Dharma and became Muslims and Christians should not get the benefit of reservation – Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)

Vishwa Hindu Parishad executive president Alok Kumar

Noida (UP) – Opposition to extending reservations to converted people in the country is gaining momentum. The Vishwa Samvad Kendra (VSK), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) media wing and other outfits concluded that reservation benefits should not be extended to Dalits who have converted to Islam and Christianity from Hindu Dharma. The decision was taken during a two-day conclave that concluded on Sunday (5^th March) in Noida. In association with the Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida and the monthly journal Hindu Vishva, VSK had organised the conference to address the topic of “Conversion and Reservation” in light of the Centres’ appointment of the three-member committee to investigate the matter. More than 150 individuals, including former judges, serving and former vice-chancellors, professors, journalists, lawyers, writers and other academics participated in the conclave, the VHP said in a statement.  Other dignitaries also said that those who change their religion should not get the benefit of reservation.

RSS body and other Hindu outfits oppose reservation benefits for Dalits converted to Islam, Christianityhttps://t.co/6rQ9IcJjA5

— OpIndia.com (@OpIndia_com) March 7, 2023

Notably, on 22^nd October 2022, the Union Government set up a commission headed by former Chief Justice Balakrishnan to examine the current situation of the Schedule Caste people who have converted to other religions. They were given 2 years to file a report on the same. Vishwa Hindu Parishad executive president Alok Kumar said appropriate steps will be taken to present the facts before the commission to arrive at a proper conclusion about a reservation.