The Progress Union for Christian People (PUCP), a newly formed association of a section of Christians in the region, on Tuesday extended support to the ruling AIADMK in the May 16 Assembly elections, claiming it was the only party which protected their needs and rights.

J Sundar, Founder President of PUCP, a union confederation, said AIADMK has been instrumental in providing Rs 20,000 subsidy to the community to undertake the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Besides it was AIADMK which had stated that Dalits who had converted to Christianity should not be deprived of concession or benefits as per the Ranganatha Mishra Committee recommendation, besides taking it up in Parliament, he said.

On attacks on their places of worship, Sundar said the government had arrested and taken action against the culprits, which no other governments did during their regime.

If AIADMK came to power, it would help resolve problems being faced by the community in maintaining their graveyards, he said, adding it should also continue to take action against what he termed were frequent attacks on Churches and other prayer and meeting halls.