Dalit Sanghatanegala Okkoota demanded that the Congress high command appoint a Dalit chief minister if the party decides to change leadership in the state.
State President Okkuta M Venkatswamy said at a press conference in Kalaburagi town on Friday that despite using Dalits as a vote bank since independence, the Congress continues to ignore their welfare, the state has nearly 1.5 million Dalits who often decide the outcome of elections.
Mr. Venkatswamy said that the recent statements of several Congress leaders like Yathindra, MLC, Iqbal Hussain, MLA and Minister MB Patil had created fresh political speculations in the state and further intensified discussions among the Dalit communities.
He clarified that Dalit organizations would not object if Mr. Siddaramaiah continued as Chief Minister for another two-and-a-half years, given his efficient administration. But if the Congress high command decides to change after November 21, he said the party must choose a Dalit leader for the post and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge should be their top priority, he added.
Mr. Venkatswamy demanded that senior leaders like KH Muniyappa, G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi and HC Mahadevappa always stood by the party and played a key role in bringing the Congress to power, yet the high command repeatedly overlooked the Dalit leadership due to pressure from dominant castes, he claimed and demanded that the high command treat these leadership posts as second-in-command.
He warned that the Congress may face dire consequences if it ignores Okkoota’s demand.
Published – 15 Nov 2025 20:50 IST
