Bengaluru, Jan 8 (NationPress) Amidst reports of discord in the Karnataka Congress, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed on Wednesday that the dinner gathering intended for MLAs, MPs, and Ministers from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities has been postponed, but not canceled.

Speaking to the press in Bengaluru, Parameshwara, who is a Dalit leader, remarked, "We must adhere to the directives from our high command. Therefore, the meeting is postponed, not canceled. We will coordinate with Randeep Singh Surjewala, our National General Secretary and State In-Charge, to finalize the new date. I’m unsure of his availability at this moment."

He further stated, "I had conveyed to Surjewala that this meeting was not politically motivated and invited him to join us. Surjewala mentioned he is currently occupied but will inform us of his future availability."

Parameshwara emphasized, "If anyone attempts to suggest that they will not tolerate our meeting to address Dalit issues, we are prepared to respond decisively. We possess the strength to do so."

He also added, "I am not aware of any complaints from Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar regarding this meeting. We had even discussed the necessity of inviting Shivakumar during our initial discussions. There is nothing to hide here."

Discussing the significance of the meeting, Parameshwara mentioned, "During a convention in Chitradurga for SC and ST communities prior to the Assembly elections, we pledged to address several issues and formulated a resolution on this. Following that, the Congress party assumed power in the state and numerous promises were fulfilled."

"The objective of this meeting is to address the reduction in Scheduled Castes Sub-Allocation and Tribal Sub-Allocation and collaboratively address community issues, which is why we planned this gathering of SC and ST MLAs, MPs, and Ministers," he elaborated.

"Initially, we did not inform the high command as we considered it an internal matter. However, Randeep Singh Surjewala is our National General Secretary and naturally, he needs to be informed. He called me, and I invited him to participate in the meeting," Parameshwara explained.

When asked why the dinner meeting was halted, he stated that the earlier convention in Chitradurga included high command leaders such as AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and other National General Secretaries.

In response to whether he needed permission from the high command for the dinner meeting, Parameshwara clarified that it was essential for the discussion, not for the dinner itself.

"The high command does not oppose the meeting; however, if they express a desire to be involved, how could I possibly refuse?" he clarified.

"Numerous issues concerning Dalits require discussion. I am the Home Minister, and we have documented various cases. No one has suggested that discussions on Dalit issues should not occur," he asserted.

"When a representative from the high command attends, many issues will be resolved. If anyone aims to undermine Dalits, it will be evident. The rationale behind the postponement will become clear," he claimed.

Previously, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's camp insisted that if there's a leadership change in the state, Parameshwara, a senior Dalit leader, should be considered.

Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly, R. Ashoka, criticized the ruling Congress party amidst these developments.

R. Ashoka stated, "Parameshwara is hosting a farewell party for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Within Congress, leaders have openly expressed intentions to seize power by displacing those in leadership positions."

As the controversy surrounding the dinner meeting may exacerbate the alleged discord within the Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar asserted on Monday that there is no infighting within the party.