22-04-2025
Karnataka Ministers urge Congress High Command to appoint Dalit Chief Minister
Senior Dalit Congress leader and Karnataka's Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa reiterated his long-standing demand for greater representation of Dalit leaders within the party and the to reporters, Muniyappa said Dalits must be given the opportunity to occupy top posts such as the Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President.'I had earlier suggested Mallikarjun Kharge for the Chief Minister post when Dharam Singh was made Chief Minister. Later, I pushed for Parameshwara to be appointed Deputy Chief Minister when Siddaramaiah took over, even though Parameshwara had lost the election,' Muniyappa said. 'There is intent to empower Dalits, but it seems the time for that has not yet come.'advertisement
While acknowledging that Karnataka already has a sitting Chief Minister, Muniyappa said both the Chief Minister and party presidential positions are subject to the High Command's decision. 'These communities should not forget to give us an opportunity,' he Muniyappa's remarks, Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna said, 'Why shouldn't that happen? In a democratic system, anyone can aspire for any position. Everyone is qualified to demand what they want.'Rajanna added that the final decision would lie with the party's central leadership but expressed solidarity with the demand. 'Whoever wants to become [CM or President], I will join their chorus,' he said.
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