The political discussion regarding the next Chief Minister in the Congress government of Karnataka has intensified. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has completed almost half his term, and since the 2023 assembly elections, there has been speculation that the Chief Minister will be changed after the government’s two-and-a-half-year tenure.
In this political backdrop, RB Timmapur, a minister in the state government, has also expressed his desire to become the Chief Minister. He says,
“Why should a Dalit not be given the post of Chief Minister? Why should I not be made CM?”
Demand and political equation of Dalit Chief Minister
No Dalit has yet become the Chief Minister in Karnataka. Dalit leaders have held many important positions in the state, but their absence from the post of Chief Minister has become the center of political discussions.
- RB Timmapur’s statement has come at a time when discussions are in full swing regarding Siddaramaiah and his successor.
- It is being said that Deputy CM DK Shivkumar is the strongest contender for the post of Chief Minister.
Siddaramaiah’s strategy
According to the report of Hindustan Times, Siddaramaiah is adopting a strategic stance and fueling the discussion of Dalit Chief Minister.
- A party leader said,
“It is an open secret that Siddaramaiah is trying to garner support in the name of a Dalit leader, so as to reduce opposition within the party.” - However, the DK Shivakumar camp is strongly opposing this strategy.
Controversy over meeting of Dalit leaders
A meeting of SC-ST MLAs was called to reach a consensus on the Dalit leader. But, this meeting was canceled after the intervention of Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala.
- It is being said that DK Shivakumar played an important role in getting the meeting cancelled.
- Ji Parameshwara gave a strong reaction regarding this:
“If anyone tries to stop the meeting to discuss Dalit issues, we will give them a befitting reply.” - Many Dalit leaders of the state are said to be angry due to the cancellation of the meeting.
DK Shivkumar’s claim
DK Shivkumar had staked claim for the post of Chief Minister after the 2023 assembly elections. However, the party chose Siddaramaiah at that time.
- Shivkumar’s camp believes that he should be made the Chief Minister for the next two and a half years of the government.
- Given Shivakumar’s strong hold and his organizational abilities, his name remains on the top.
Displeasure of Dalit leaders
- Dissatisfaction among Dalit leaders has increased due to the cancellation of the meeting.
- He says that it is his right to talk on Dalit issues and attempts to suppress it can be harmful for the party.
What does Karnataka politics say?
The Congress government in Karnataka had registered a massive victory in the 2023 elections. But, the internal tussle regarding the post of Chief Minister is creating new challenges for the party.
- Siddaramaiah: Experienced and popular leader, but had promised to step down after half the term.
- DK Shivakumar: Strong hold on the organization and strong position in the party.
- Dalit Leadership: The demand to become the Chief Minister for the first time has added a new dimension.
