Karnataka Christians Community Appeal to Congress High Command for Rajya Sabha Seat
They stated that although the community has consistently supported the Congress Party for decades, it currently has no voice in Parliament, which has caused considerable disappointment among community members.
Bengaluru: Leaders of the Christian community have jointly appealed to the Congress High Command to provide appropriate representation to the Christian community in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. They stated that although the community has consistently supported the Congress Party for decades, it currently has no voice in Parliament, which has caused considerable disappointment among community members.
Following the passing of late Oscar Fernandes, no prominent leader from Karnataka’s Christian community has represented the state in the Rajya Sabha. This prolonged absence of representation has created concern within the community.
Lack of Representation:
Out of Karnataka’s 12 Rajya Sabha seats, not a single seat is currently held by a member of the Christian community among the Congress MPs. Community leaders stated that while they welcome the inclusion of other communities, the continued neglect of the Christian community is regrettable.
The Christian community has made significant contributions to the progress of Karnataka and the nation through education, healthcare, and social welfare sectors. Community leaders have urged the Congress High Command to correct this imbalance by allocating at least one of the three vacant Rajya Sabha seats to a senior or capable young leader from the community.
Efforts at the National Level:
Christian leaders are actively lobbying in Delhi. Among those being discussed as potential candidates are former Mangaluru South MLA J. R. Lobo, AICC Secretary Nivedith Alva, and former corporator Naveen D’Souza. Leaders have emphasized that local Christian leaders who have worked for the party in Karnataka should be given an opportunity this time.
Objection to Considering Leaders from Other States:
According to information from highly placed sources, discussions are reportedly taking place within party circles about allocating a Rajya Sabha seat under the Christian community quota to Amar Jahan Beg, the President of the Mahila Congress in Andhra Pradesh.
However, community leaders argue that, in the interest of Karnataka’s Christian community and its political representation, the seat should be given to a capable local leader from Karnataka. The community has strongly opposed the idea of awarding the seat to an outsider.
