Express News Service By

CHENNAI:: The Dalit Christian Liberation Movement (DCLM), an organisation working for the betterment of Dalit christians, on Thursday announced its support to the ruling AIADMK in the upcoming assembly polls.

DCLM president M Mary John made the announcement at a press conference in the city. "The decision was taken at a state executive meeting held on April 4 in Villupuram," Mary John told Express.

"We are being denied SC rights on a par with our Hindu brethren for long. It is of vital importance for the progress of Dalit Christians who constitute about 70 lakh among the Christian community in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry," he added.

DCLM office bearers said they have been fighting for the rights with the union government and for that political support was needed.

"Only the AIADMK, which has more number of MP’s from the state can raise a voice for us. Also, the CM has written to the PM in the past on this issue," Mary John said.

The DCLM has sought an audience with the AIADMK general secretary and would be meeting her soon. This is the first time that DCLM is extending support to a political party in its 25 years of existence.