DK backing Kharge for CM post sparks debate over Dalit-at-the-helm

Amid infighting in Congress over the Karnataka CM's face, state unit president D K Shivakumar has surprised many by declaring that he would gladly work under Mallikarjun Kharge, if he was elected chief minister after the 10 May assembly elections.

Though, it is too early to debate, Shivakumar's statement has nevertheless given impetus to the possibility of a Dalit chief minister in the event of the Congress coming to power in the state.

"I would "love" to work under Kharge if he becomes the Chief Minister, aid Shivakumar adding that there are voices within the party that "injustice" has happened to the veteran leader in the past.

"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.

"He (Kharge) is my leader, he is my AICC president, I would love to work under him. He is an asset to the state and the country. I will abide by the party's decision, he is 20 years senior to me. I'm committed to his wish."

DKS's statement is being interpreted as his effort to checkmate Siddaramaiah, by reigniting the debate on 'Dalit CM' and 'native versus migrant' within the party.

Kharge was very close to becoming the CM of Karnataka thrice - in 1999, 2004 and 2013, but narrowly missed the opportunity. Despite this, he remained a staunch loyalist of the Congress.

Part insiders believe the possibilities of Kharge returning to state politics are very limited, given the positions and responsibilities he holds. As AICC President, Kharge has a bigger role to play in and ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

However, Shivakumar's statements regarding Kharge, an 80-year-old leader from the 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. Since 1947, the state has seen nine Lingayats, six Vokkaligas, four OBCs, two Brahmins and one Rajput as chief minister. Dalits constitute around 20% of the population in the state.