New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed their support on Tuesday for the Supreme Court's ruling that individuals who convert to Christianity and continue to adhere to that faith are ineligible to claim Scheduled Caste status.

A Bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria stated that "no individual who practices a religion outside of Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism can be recognized as a member of the Scheduled Caste," clarifying that conversion to any other religion leads to the "instant and total forfeiture" of such status.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, president of the Kerala BJP, called the verdict "justifiable."

He remarked to IANS, "It is a very rational and sensible ruling that most can concur with, as reservations are intended for those who have faced deprivation for centuries, including OBC (Other Backward Classes), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and SC (Scheduled Caste)."

Chandrsekhar further explained, "Once you convert from SC or ST to another religion, it becomes evident that you should not receive SC or ST benefits. One cannot be SC or ST while not adhering to the Hindu faith."

BJP MP Manan Mishra shared a similar perspective.

He stated, "The Supreme Court has made a correct decision; otherwise, individuals would have exploited the reservation system. Despite converting to other religions, some continued to access benefits meant for Scheduled Castes, which was unfair. I trust that this ruling will be widely accepted."

In celebration of the Supreme Court's directive, Dalit leader Lalla Babu Dravid distributed sweets in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.

He conveyed to IANS, "Today marks a significant decision from the Supreme Court. We have waited years for this. Individuals used to convert to Christianity and other faiths, thereby infringing upon our rights. This ruling clarifies that anyone converting to a religion outside of Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism will not receive Dalit benefits. The entire Dalit community embraces this decision."

On the other hand, opposition leaders emphasized that "religious conversion is a personal choice" and asserted that no one should receive reservations based on religion.

Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh remarked to IANS, "Religious conversion is an individual's personal choice, and no one should oppose it."

Outside Parliament, Shiv Sena-UBT MP Arvind Sawant stated, "Every religion may encompass individuals from backward communities; however, reservations should not be based on religious affiliation."

He referenced Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, who asserted, "I believe in only two classes: the rich and the poor. According to him, the impoverished may belong to any religion or caste, and all deserve upliftment in society, whether in education or employment, warranting priority."

Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas commented, "The Supreme Court has delivered its ruling, and the Indian government should publicly clarify its stance on the matter. All laws must be adhered to, and the government ought to clarify its position."