‘Missed CM’s post thrice because I’m Dalit,' says Karnataka Dy CM G Parameshwara

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said he missed the ‘Chief Minister’s’ post thrice time because he belonged to the Dalit community. Addressing the Chalavadi community in Davangere, Congress leader further alleged that the caste discrimination is at the highest levels of the politics, government and his own party.

"PK Basavalingappa and KH Ranganath missed the chief ministerial post. Mallikarjun Kharge also couldn't become the CM (Chief Minister). I missed it for thrice. Somehow, I was made the deputy CM," Mr Parameshwara said at an event in Davangere on Sunday.

"Dalits are being discriminated at the government level too. Even though the reservation is facilitated, there has been injustice in promotions," the Congress leader added.

Reacting to Parameshwara’s comment over missing CM’s post, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was unsure why he gave that statement.

“It’s the Congress party which is taking care of Dalits and other neglected sections of society,” said Siddaramaiah. “I don’t know in what context he made a statement like that. It’s better you ask him,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.

According to The New Indian Express, Parameshwara alleged that seven government officials had committed suicide after they were demoted. “Our government will come out with rules next week to implement reservation in promotions, he added.

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