Minister KH Muniyappa lamented absence of Dalit Chief Minister, deferring decision to high command
BENGALURU
Minister KH Muniyappa expressed disappointment that Karnataka does not currently have a Dalit Chief Minister but emphasized that the decision rests with the party’s high command. “If the high command makes up its mind, everything will happen. Mallikarjun Kharge is in the position to decide what should happen at what time. What else should we talk about?” he said.
Muniyappa highlighted the community’s electoral significance, noting that Dalits, who make up 25 percent of the population, contribute around 75 percent of votes to Congress. “We have conveyed this to the high command. Our vision is to come back to power in 2028,” he added, indirectly supporting a Dalit Chief Minister.
On Rahul Gandhi’s interactions with the current Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Muniyappa said the Congress leader called both and discussed matters in Delhi, noting that such decisions are left to the high command. He clarified, “I am not for anyone, I am not against anyone. Both have done well in their respective roles.”
He praised the incumbent leadership, saying the Chief Minister “has created history” and contributed significantly to the exploited classes through internal reservation policies. Muniyappa also lauded DK Shivakumar for his organizational work, adding that winning 136 assembly seats was no small feat.
The minister concluded that while the absence of a Dalit CM is a matter of concern, the party’s high command has the authority to make the decision at the right time. “The foundation has been laid, the house is being built. Everything should happen as per the vision and timing of the high command,” he said, emphasizing patience and party protocol in leadership matters.
Muniyappa’s statements reinforce the Congress leadership’s ongoing internal discussions on representation, highlighting both the political significance of the Dalit community and the procedural role of the high command in leadership appointments.
