Karnataka Cong chief backing Kharge for CM post sparks debate over Dalit at helm

Shivakumar's move to endorse Kharge, is being seen by some as an attempt by him to checkmate Siddaramaiah’s prospects, by reigniting the debate on 'Dalit CM'

Amid stiff competition between him and senior leader Siddaramiah for the chief ministerial post in the event of Congress winning the Assembly polls, Karnataka Congress unit president D K Shivakumar's attempts to bring AICC chief M Mallikarjun Kharge's name into the race, has raised eyebrows within party circles.

Karnataka Cong chief backing Kharge for CM post sparks debate over Dalit at helm

The KPCC chief's move to endorse Kharge, is being seen by some as an attempt by him to checkmate Siddaramaiah’s prospects, by reigniting the debate on 'Dalit CM' and 'native versus migrant' within the party. Shivakumar's statements that he would "love" to work under Kharge if he becomes the Chief Minister and that there are voices within the party that "injustice" has happened to the veteran leader in the past, has got tongues wagging among many in the state Congress. However, he has maintained that the party's decision is final. "He (Kharge) is our senior leader and AICC President. He has not asked for it (CM post), Congress should come to power is his only desire. He is a senior leader and there are some voices that say that injustice has happened to him in the past," Shivakumar said in response to a question regarding bringing Kharge's name to the fore.

Later, while defending his statement, he said, "He (Kharge) is a senior, he is our AICC president, if we don't support him and his leadership, are we human? Party coming to power is important, not us." When questioned on Shivakumar's statements, Siddaramaiah on Sunday maintained, everyone will abide by the decision of the high command. According to party sources, Kharge lost out in the race to become Chief Ministers thrice -- in 1999 to S M Krishna, 2004 to N Dharam Singh and in 2013 to Siddaramaiah.

Some party functionaries believe the possibilities of Kharge returning to state politics are very limited, given the positions and responsibilities he holds. "He as AICC President has a bigger role to play in and ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, like leading the party and preparing it for elections and forging opposition unity, among others," a party functionary said. However, Shivakumar's statements regarding Kharge, a 80-year old leader from Dalit community, has once again triggered a debate in the Congress over "Dalit CM", with other senior leaders from the community like G Parameshwara and K H Muniyappa in the poll fray. Karnataka has never had a Dalit CM, and there has been pressure from a section within the Congress to consider this, as there are several capable leaders in the party from the community.

Throwing his hat into the ring, Parameshwara had recently said he is among the chief ministerial aspirants in the event of the party coming to power. Parameshwara was Deputy Chief Minister during Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by H D Kumaraswamy, and was the longest-serving KPCC chief (eight years); while Muniyappa is veteran party leader and seven-time MP from Kolar. Also, with Siddaramaiah having already been in the CM post once between 2013-18, there are voices within the Congress that someone "native" or "original" Congressman should be made the chief minister this time. Siddaramaiah had joined Congress in 2006 after being expelled from JD(S).