Karnataka: Ministry expansion delayed as Dalit leaders at loggerheads

The ruling Congress is said to be in a dilemma on whether to provide ministerial berth to left or right wing of the Dalit community, resulting in delay of the much-discussed expansion of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s council of ministers.

Though the high command had approved a list of names for filling up the vacancies in the council of ministers last week, it was later forced to hold it back following pressure from Dalit leaders belonging to both the groups. Leaders belonging to the two groups are said to be lobbying hard to get a ministerial berth. The chief minister was planning to expand the ministry early this week. But, it is likely to happen only next week, sources in the state Congress said.

Currently, there are three vacancies in the council of ministers. The vacancies have been created due to the death of H S Mahadeva Prasad and resignation of H Y Meti and G Parameshwara. The late Mahadeva Prasad was a Linagayat; Meti a Kuruba; and Parameshwara, a Dalit. While names of K Shadakshari, MLA for Tiptur and H M Revanna (MLC) have been finalised under the Lingayat and the Kuruba quotas respectively, candidate under the Dalit quota is yet to be finalised, the sources said.

The sources said Siddaramaiah had proposed MLC R B Thimmapur’s name under the Dalit quota to the high command. Thimmapur belongs to Dalit left wing.

A section of Dalit (right) leaders is of the view that Parameshwara belongs to Dalit right wing and hence, the vacancy created by his resignation should be filled up with a leader from the same wing. Even Parameshwara, who is also the KPCC president, is said to be in favour of this argument. He is said to be backing former minister Motamma (who belongs to Dalit right wing) for a Cabinet berth. Malavalli MLA and former minister P M Narendraswamy is also said to be in the race, the sources added.

Leaders belonging to Dalit left wing are arguing that both the left and the right wings should be given equal representation in the council of ministers: There are two ministers who are Dalit (right), H C Mahadevappa and Priyank Kharge, while H Anjaneya is the lone  minister from the Dalit left wing. Former Union minister and Kolar MP K H Muniyappa has taken up the cause of Dalit left wing, the sources said.

When contacted, Motamma said it is not proper to differentiate between the right and the left. Opportunity should be given to those who are loyal to the party and have good experience.

On seeking his reaction on the issue, AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal said there is no confusion between the two groups. The chief minister has submitted a list to the party top brass and they will take a decision soon, he added.