Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s political temperature rose sharply on Wednesday night as a stream of Congress MLAs and ministers made back-to-back visits to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Cauvery residence, even while another group of legislators continued their parallel visits to AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s home.
Senior MLAs including Byrathi Suresh, A.S. Ponnanna, and Kothanur Manjunath were among those who arrived at the CM’s residence, triggering fresh speculation about internal equations within the ruling party.
Meanwhile, leaders such as H.C. Mahadevappa, Venkatesh, and Laxmi Hebbalkar were seen meeting Kharge, intensifying chatter around the ongoing political manoeuvring inside the Congress.
Parameshwara Drops Biggest Hint Yet: “We Are Always in the Race”
Making a significant political statement, Home Minister G. Parameshwara said the long-pending demand for a Dalit Chief Minister cannot be dismissed.
Speaking in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said:
“A Dalit CM has been demanded for years. Just because we attended a dinner meeting, will it happen overnight? Still, we are like-minded leaders who discuss issues.
We are always in the race.”
Pressed directly on whether he sees himself as a CM contender, Parameshwara replied:
“Yes, we are always in the race. In 2013, as KPCC President, we brought the Congress to power. Did I ever say ‘I alone brought the government’? Never. Everyone contributed.”
He also reminded that in the Congress system, the PCC chief is often considered for the CM position, indicating that he, too, has a legitimate claim.
Satish Jarkiholi Backs Parameshwara: “What’s Wrong in His Claim?”
Backing Parameshwara, minister Satish Jarkiholi said:
“What Parameshwara said is not wrong. Many leaders — SC, ST, and minorities — worked hard to bring the party to power.
Claiming the CM post is not the right of just one or two people.”
He also argued that all communities have contributed to strengthening the Congress, and the long-pending “Dalit CM” demand deserves serious consideration.
Bigger Political Signal Behind the Statements
The statements by Parameshwara and Jarkiholi come at a time when:
- Siddaramaiah’s supporters are holding strategic dinner meetings
- DK Shivakumar’s camp continues its quiet pressure for a mid-term power-sharing arrangement
- MLAs are visiting both the CM and Kharge, indicating internal alignment checks
Political observers believe Parameshwara’s assertion could create a third power centre amid the intense Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar rivalry.
Could the Dalit CM Demand Become a Third Option?
If factional tensions intensify, a “neutral Dalit CM face” — such as Parameshwara — may emerge as a compromise candidate acceptable to multiple groups.
This possibility gained traction after Jarkiholi said:
“We are not just two power centres.
Others also have equal contribution and equal claim.”
The Congress High Command is expected to examine:
High Command’s Move Will Decide Everything
- Stability of the Siddaramaiah government
- DK Shivakumar’s power-sharing push
- Pressure from Dalit leaders for representation
A decision is likely only after Rahul Gandhi returns from abroad.
For now, the Congress in Karnataka continues to witness non-stop political movement, with all factions trying to show strength before the High Command takes a call.
About the Author
