LETTER TO THE EDITOR 14-10-2008
FPJ
LETTER COLUMN

What a Paradise ?

This refers to your * briefs – column” reporting “Karuna accedes to Christians’ demand, withdraws quota”. The so-called leaders of minority Christian community cannot come in the way of implementation of the legal and constitutional provision of proportional representation in State service or office under the State. It is guaranteed to all citizens of India under Article 16(2) of the Constitution of India. It is reported that 30.1% of Christians in Rural India belong to BPL category with monthly per capita expenditure of less than Rs.356.30. Religious leaders should not interfere with the welfare measure of 3.5% Reservation made by the present ruling Dravida Munneta Kazhaham Party headed by “Kalinger Tilakam” and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru M. Karunanidhi for Dalit Christians in Tamil Nadu State (which includes all its far flung, industrially undeveloped, hitherto neglected, backward, and border areas of remotest villages like Ezhudesam Village of Vilavancode Taluk in Kanyakumari District), in accordance with the mandatory constitutional provisions. Right to reservation includes right to representation. It is a fundamental right guaranteed even to the economically depressed, exploited for generations, and backward classes of citizens. Even after 60 years of ruling after independence of India, political and economic justice is not meted out to the majority of Christians who are also equal citizens of the country (Bharat) and whose fundamental rights cannot be allowed to be harmed by these so-called handful few religious leaders. It is none of the business of these leaders too, save and except to represent religion of minority Christian community.

JOSEPH NADAR