47 Hindu castes brought under Christian category for caste survey

BENGALURU: The BJP and various Hindu seers are opposing the inclusion of 47 Hindu castes which have been brought under Christian category in the upcoming caste survey, which is set to begin on September 22. They have alleged that this is an attempt to promote conversion.

The survey’s caste list has sparked controversy, with the BJP condemning the decision to assign separate codes to these sub-castes after they convert to Christianity. The error committed by the Backward Classes Commission has now become strong ammunition for the opposition BJP in the state to take on the Congress government.

The BJP is planning a massive protest and campaign against the inclusion of Hindu caste groups as Christians. A high-voltage roundtable meeting is being held on Tuesday, featuring backward class seers, political leaders and social activists.

The BJP has demanded that the survey be conducted without the objectionable caste names and has threatened to launch a large-scale movement if its demands are not met.

The BJP has questioned how Hindu sub-castes, including Kuruba, Balija, Lingayat, Brahmin and Vokkaliga are shown as part of Christian religion and has raised questions on whether it is a ploy to create divisions among castes and religions to promote conversion and is determined to take strong action against it.

This move might imply recognition of caste-based discrimination within Christianity, potentially leading to demands for Scheduled Caste benefits for Christian converts, the opposition feels.