Dalits rise in protest against Congress for denying CM post to Kharge

Daijiworld Media Network

Chamarajanagar, May 14: A day after Siddaramaiah took oath as the new chief minister of Karnataka, the Dalit community here went on a protest against the Congress for denying the CM's post to union minister Mallikarjuna Kharge, who hails from the community.

The Dalits have been rooting for Kharge ever since the battle for the CM's post began between Siddaramaiah and Kharge. If Kharge had been given the post, he would have become the first Dalit to hold the prestigious post.

Siddaraimaiah belongs to the Kuruba community, which is the third largest in the state.

Scores of people belonging to the Dalit community gathered on streets and raised their voice against the 'injustice' done by the Congress. They formed a human chain and lit fire in the middle of the road to mark their protest.

Addressing the protestors, a Dalit leader said, "Congress uses Dalits for vote bank, but it cannot give a Dalit the opportunity to become the CM. This is hypocrisy."

He added, "We will teach the Congress a lesson on May 23 when Periyapatna goes to vote, and also in the next Lok Sabha elections."

It may be mentioned here that in a bid to quell the Dalit rage, Siddaramaiah, after being chosen as the CM but before taking the oath, had said that he agreed with the views of the Dalits and that they were right in saying that Kharge should have got the CM's post. However, as the Congress high command had chosen him, he had to abide by the decision, he said.

He further said that he too is from an oppressed class and can understand the Dalit sentiment. "I will strive for development of the Dalit community and see to it that they are protected and never harassed. I will deliver social justice to all communities," he said. He also called upon the Dalits to support him in his mission.