Karnataka Minister Urges Congress to Appoint Dalit Leader as Next Chief Minister
Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa has made a significant appeal to the Congress high command, urging them to elevate a Dalit leader as the next chief minister of Karnataka. The minister delivered this statement on Sunday while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Dalit conference held in Madikeri.
Dalits as the Backbone of Congress
Mahadevappa emphasized that Dalits form the backbone of the Congress party in Karnataka. He warned that the party would weaken considerably if it were to lose their crucial support. "If the backbone is to be strengthened, a Dalit leader must be made the chief minister," he asserted, appealing directly to the party's high command to take this demand with the utmost seriousness.
Response to Deputy CM's Confidence
When questioned about Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's expressed confidence that the high command would select him for the top post, Mahadevappa offered a diplomatic response. He acknowledged that everyone aspires to become chief minister, but he firmly stated that the final decision rests solely with the party leadership, indicating that the process remains open and competitive.
Addressing Rumors on Internal Reservation
Earlier at the Dalit conference, organized by the Karnataka Dalita Sangarsha Samithi (Krishnappa Faction), Minister Mahadevappa addressed critical issues concerning the community. He urged Dalits not to pay heed to rumors surrounding internal reservation within the Scheduled Castes.
He alleged that the RSS and BJP are actively misleading the Dalit community on this sensitive matter. Mahadevappa provided reassurance, stating that internal reservation would be implemented in a strictly legal manner and would not cause any injustice to the community.
Call for Unity and Constitutional Protection
The minister issued a powerful call to action, urging the Dalit community to unite for a righteous struggle. He emphasized the importance of ignoring rumors and misguided ideologies. He called on the community to fight for the protection of the Constitution and democracy, which are foundational to their rights and progress.
Furthermore, Mahadevappa suggested a strategic initiative for community leaders in Madikeri. He proposed that they unite and organize a massive conference during the inauguration of the Dr BR Ambedkar statue in the city, aiming to strengthen solidarity and visibility.
Key Attendees at the Conference
The Dalit conference saw the presence of several notable figures, underscoring its significance. Attendees included:
- Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna
- Madikeri MLA Manthar Gowda
- Kodagu district DSS President HL Divakar
Their participation highlights the political and community importance of the event, where discussions on leadership and reservation policies took center stage.
