MP Pratap Simha on Friday defended his statement on cancellation of benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes (ST) to tribal people who converted to Christianity and Islam.
Speaking to reporters here, the MP said that tribal people worship the god of the forest and stay away from the civil society.
“The tribal communities have their own culture, tradition and celebration. The tribes who accept Jesus as god need no reservation. The benefits under ST quota must be stopped to protect the uniqueness of the tribals,” he said.
The MP said, “Caste system exists only in Hinduism. Thus, reservation is given to Scheduled Caste (SC) and ST communities. A section of SC and ST people, who have converted to Christianity, are demanding an identify as ‘Dalit Christians’ and reservation. Christians and Muslims claim that there is no caste system.”
It has to be recalled that the MP had directed the officials in a meeting, to stop benefits as per ST quota for tribal people who have converted to Christianity.
The MP said that he has urged the state government to acquire lands for the 87 km Mysuru-Kushalanagar railway line, Satellite Railway terminal at Naganahalli, extension of runway at Mysuru airport and for the proposed underpass near the airport.
The MP said that he has emerged on top in utilising MP Local Area Development fund. “I have done my work, of serving the people, by utilising the funds. I was on top last year too. I have utilised 100% funds,” he said.
Published 05 March 2021, 16:38 IST