Three per cent reservations to Christians likely

Hyderabad: If all goes well, Christians will get three per cent reservation soon besides an MLC seat which falls vacant next March.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, while promising this to a delegation of Christian leaders, has also decided to host a Christmas party on behalf of the government this December on the lines of Iftar party for Muslims during Ramzan.

He also assured speedy construction of churches by Christians through a new guideline without having to take permissions from the respective district collectors and other governmental agencies. The government has decided to provide land for Christian graveyards in all the districts soon.

“The government is committed to represent Christians in the legislature and other elected bodies. We will provide an MLC seat falling vacant next March to ensure voice of the community in the legislature,” he said.

The Chief Minister was speaking to a Christian delegation, led by Nizamabad MLC Rajeshwar Rao and community elders Gollapalli John, Jonathan Kalval, A.C. Solomon, E.D.S. Rathnam, Paul Aradhana, and Nehru Dhairyam among others.

On the attack on Christian preachers, the Chief Minister said he would ask for full police protection to the community. “Our nation, Telangana state and old Hyderabad state are well known for communal harmony. We will protect the secular fabric of the country and state,” he added.

Referring to his promise to give an MLC seat next March, he said the MLC ticket would be given to a person recommended by Christian community elders, adding that the government would extend all support in the Christmas celebrations.

The community elders wished Mr Rao all success as  Chief Minister and ensure rapid development of the state under his leadership.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said Telangana state was committed to secularism and it would be role model to other states in the country.

Referring to his promise to give an MLC seat next March, he said the MLC ticket would be given to a person recommended by Christian community elders, adding that the government would extend all support in the Christmas celebrations.

The Christian elders brought to his notice, the problems faced by community in the construction of churches and lack of graveyards at many places.

Mr Rao informed them that henceforth there would be no need for the community to approach collectors and other agencies for construction of churches which would be permitted through certain guidelines and the rules used for temples and mosques. He also promised to consider financial assistance in this regard.

The Chief Minister told the delegation that the government was committed to 12 per cent reservations for Muslims and that a committed headed by a HC judge level officer would study its implementation.

“The government would like to ensure reservations to all sections of people based on population of the state. We will seek special permission on the lines of Tamil Nadu to ensure reservations to various communities based on population,” he added.