The Congress is closely watching the developments after Mallikarjun Kharge was elected as the Congress President. Kharge is expected to not only help unite the faction-ridden party, but also strengthen the Dalit vote base, as the assembly elections are only six months away. The Dalit community constitutes about 24 per cent of the population in Karnataka and Kharge is the second leader from the Dalit community to become the Congress President.
Some veteran leaders of the age-old party believe that the party’s strong base among Dalits has shrunk over the years. This has happened for several reasons, including some leaders joining hands with the BJP. The Congress’s inability to resolve differences between sects left and right among Dalits has also led to the loss of the Left’s support, which has a substantial presence in Karnataka. Kharge belongs to the Dalit right, and crucial is his ability to win over the left-wing faction of Dalits who have moved on to the BJP.
A large section of Dalit leaders in the party have also criticized the Congress for not bringing in a Dalit man as the Chief Minister of the state. “Overall, it (Kharge’s elevation) is an advantage for the Congress (in Karnataka), but to what extent it will turn into an electoral or political capital, we don’t know and have to see,” says A. Narayan, political analyst at Azim. . Premji University.
“Ultimately, that discontent will be resolved when a Dalit becomes chief minister, but it is a distant prospect, given the political realities of the state today… It is a good argument for the Congress that the top post of the party has been given to a Dalit, and we respect Dalit sentiments.”
However, others like senior Congress leader and former Legislative Council Speaker VR Sudarshan had a different opinion. He mentioned that Kharge becoming Congress President is a matter of pride for Karnataka and it will help in smooth functioning of the party in the state. “This is an opportunity to strengthen the party’s favor (Dalits)… However, Kharge has never personally carried his Dalit identity card, even when it was a prerequisite for him to become the CM… He Have always been a committed Congressman and moved by his performance and loyalty,” he said.
Along with the promotion of Kharge, there is talk of setting up another ‘Power Centre’. There is also talk in the party about whether this will be detrimental to leaders like Siddaramaiah, who may prefer old loyalists of the party in matters like ticket distribution.
(with inputs from agencies)
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