Christian Delegation Raises Karnataka Community Concerns with Mallikarjun Kharge

Bengaluru, September 14, 2026: A delegation of Christian leaders from Karnataka, led by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, met All-India Congress Committee (AICC) president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on September 14 and sought his intervention on four key issues concerning the Christian community in the state.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyanka Kharge was also present at the meeting, held at Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence.

The delegation urged Kharge to take up concerns relating to the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, political representation, reservation and participation in government-appointed bodies.

One of the principal demands was the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, commonly known as the Anti-Conversion Bill. The delegation expressed concern that provisions of the legislation could affect the community’s constitutional rights to practise and propagate its faith.

The Christian leaders also sought the nomination of a Christian representative to the Karnataka Legislative Council, arguing that such representation would provide the community with a legitimate forum to articulate its concerns and contribute to the legislative process.

Another demand was for an exclusive one per cent reservation for Christians under the Backward Class category. The delegation pointed to the socio-economic difficulties faced by sections of the Christian community and called for measures to improve access to education, employment and other opportunities.

The delegation further sought adequate representation of Christians on government boards, corporations and other statutory and nominated bodies. It said such participation would enable members of the community to contribute more effectively to public administration and the development of the state.

Kharge listened to the delegation and discussed the issues raised in detail. He sought clarification on the concerns presented and acknowledged the importance of addressing matters affecting the Christian community.

He assured the delegation that he would take up the issues with the concerned leaders of the state government and facilitate their consideration and appropriate action.

The delegation thanked Kharge for meeting them and for giving a patient hearing to their concerns. It expressed hope that the issues raised would receive due consideration and lead to concrete action by the state government.

The delegation comprised Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore; Bishop Peter Paul of Mangalore; Bishop Francis Serrao of Mysore; Fr Arun Lewis SJ, Director of Ashirwad; Praveen Peter; Anthony Vikram; and J. A. Kanthraj, PRO and spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bangalore.

By Catholic Connect Reporter