Amid political buzz over a leadership change in Karnataka, the call for a Dalit Chief Minister is getting louder. Several Dalit organisations and senior ministers are raising the demand, with supporters of ministers of M H Muniyappa stating that Karnataka deserves a Dalit CM.
Not just Muniyappa, even the names of ministers Dr. G. Parameshwar, Satish Jarkiholi, and former minister K.N. Rajanna are doing the rounds. This is amidst Jarkiholi already stating that discussions for a Dalit Chief Minister in Karnataka is currently not under discussion and has been put on a pause.
Despite Jarkiholi being in contention for the post of CM, if a leadership change happens, many leaders are already openly discussing the idea.
According to Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, there is nothing wrong with Muniyappa becoming the Chief Minister. “He is capable and has the qualifications. I will be happy if he becomes the Chief Minister. I will be happy that our class has got an opportunity,” Parameshwara was quoted by Asianet Suvarna.
A seven-time MP, Muniyappa is a senior member and was a former Union Minister. However, Parameshwara said it was the High Command that had to take the final call.
Former Minister K N Rajanna too spoke in support of a Dalit Chief Minister. "What is wrong with the demand for a Dalit Chief Minister? A Dalit Chief Minister should be happy. But the high command will decide who should be the chief minister," he added.
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In the background, a state is also being set for a show of strength through a Dalit conference. Speculations are that Parameshwara, HC Mahadevappa, and Jarkiholi are holding a meeting soon to discuss the outline. The conference will likely be held in Chitradurga or Davangere with the aim of highlighting to the High Command the contributions made by the community for the party. Preliminary discussions have already taken place, and a meeting will be held soon to discuss the final outline.
That said, there is still no confirmation that Siddaramaiah would be removed. The Chief Minister himself has given no hints about stepping down and has rubbished all talks of his political retirement. As for the Congress party, it needs a leader like Siddaramaiah who has the ability to bring 25 percent of the votes to the Congress party. He has control of all the districts of the state.
