Bengaluru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar may have called a temporary truce to their tussle for the top post, but while Congress’ high command decides on the simmering issue of whether a change of CM is necessary, it cannot ignore demands of Dalit legislators. Dalit legislators are mounting pressure, demanding recognition for their role in Congress’ sweeping victory in the 2023 assembly elections. While some suggest Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, himself a prominent Dalit leader, is a potential contender for the chief ministerial post, other names in circulation include home minister G Parameshwara and his public works colleague Satish Jarkiholi. Both Parameshwara (SC) and Jarkiholi (ST) have positioned themselves as counterweights to Shivakumar, with Jarkiholi even seeking to replace him as Congress state president. He also represents a faction calling for three or four deputy CMs to ensure fair representation for major communities, including OBCs, Lingayats, and minorities. “The question of who should be CM remains complicated,” said a senior functionary. “The party high command has stepped in to resolve the issue, and the breakfast meeting of the CM and DCM was the first step. However, it is no longer between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. There are other stakeholders, and the high command must figure out a way to keep them all in good humour.” Tensions escalated last week after Shivakumar’s camp reiterated claims of a CM seat-sharing pact in which Siddaramaiah was expected to hand over the post by mid-Nov. The dispute spilled into caste politics, with the Vokkaligara Sangha and community pontiffs backing Shivakumar, while Ahinda leaders aligned with Siddaramaiah. Concerned by the public display of discord, central party brass directed both to meet and talk. After Saturday’s breakfast meeting, both said they would abide by whatever decision the high command takes. Siddaramaiah is expected to visit Shivakumar’s residence for lunch this week, and both may be summoned to New Delhi for discussions. “There is no difference of opinion between the CM and me,” Shivakumar said on Sunday. “We will work together. Our aim is the 2028 elections. We both will go to Delhi if a call comes from the high command.” Supporters of Siddaramaiah argue that he rightfully earned the chief ministership by leading the party’s 2023 campaign and consolidating votes from minorities and OBCs. Shivakumar’s supporters counter that Congress surged to victory under his stewardship as KPCC president. Meanwhile, Dalit functionaries have emerged as a third and increasingly influential force, pointing out that their organisational work played a decisive role in consolidating SC and ST votes under Kharge’s guidance. Kharge reportedly tasked Parameshwara with overseeing 36 SC-reserved constituencies, of which Congress won 32. Jarkiholi handled campaigning in 15 ST-reserved seats, with the party securing 14. They also claim they consolidated Dalit votes, who constitute 24% of the population, even in general seats.“Only a couple of functionaries are taking the credit, but many others are directly and indirectly responsible for the win. Credit should be given where it is due,” said Jarkiholi.SC and ST functionaries formed a pressure group soon after the govt was sworn, often grabbing headlines with strategy meetings and public outreach. Their presence in New Delhi last week, at the peak of the stand-off, signalled their determination. With several members indicating Mallikarjun Kharge as their preferred choice, Rahul Gandhi met Kharge and his son, minister Priyank Kharge, in the national capital. Sources say these developments have added a fresh twist to the imbroglio.
