Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Dec. 19 said that he would stand by the Christian community till the Dalit Christians are accorded the status of Scheduled Castes.

Speaking at the Christmas celebrations held at Lutheran English Medium School here, Mr Naidu said that Dalit Christians have lost many opportunities as they do not have reservations.

Earlier, the Chief Minister cut the cake in the presence of several church heads. “Our children are able to speak fluent English due to the Christian missionary schools. Missionaries started hospitals and schools paving the way for development of society,” Mr Naidu said.

The CM said that he would allot 6 crore for completing Christian Bhavan in the city.

Earlier, Mr Naidu laid the foundation Stone for Mother and Child Hospital at Government General Hospital which would be built at a cost of 65 crore.