Dalit Sanghatanegala Okkoota has demanded that the Congress high command appoint a Dalit Chief Minister if the party decides to change leadership in the State.
Okkuta State president M. Venkatswamy addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city on Friday said that despite using Dalits as a vote bank since Independence, the Congress has continued to ignore their welfare, the State has nearly 1.5 crore Dalit population that often decides electoral outcomes.
Mr. Venkatswamy said recent statements by several Congress leaders such as Yathindra, MLC, Iqbal Hussain, MLA, and Minister M.B. Patil has triggered fresh political speculation in the State, and has further intensified discussions among Dalit communities.
He clarified that Dalit organisations would not object if Mr. Siddaramaiah continues as Chief Minister for the next two-and-a-half years, given his effective administration. But if the Congress high command opts for a change after November 21, he said the party must choose a Dalit leader for the post, and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge should be their first priority, he added.
Mr. Venkatswamy demanded that senior leaders such as K.H. Muniyappa, G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi and H.C. Mahadevappa has always stood by the party and played key roles in bringing Congress to power, yet the high command has repeatedly overlooked Dalit leadership due to pressure from dominant castes, he alleged and demanded the high command to consider these leaders as second priority for the Chief Minister’s post.
He warned that the Congress could face serious consequences if it ignores the demand of the Okkoota.
Published – November 15, 2025 08:50 pm IST
