Postponement of Karnataka Congress Dalit Leaders' Meeting Confirmed by G. Parameshwara Amid Claims of Internal Disputes

Bengaluru, Jan 8 (NationPress) Amid rumors of infighting within the Karnataka Congress, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Wednesday that the dinner gathering for MLAs, MPs, and Ministers from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe groups has been postponed, not cancelled.

Speaking to the press in Bengaluru, Parameshwara, who is a Dalit leader, mentioned, "We must adhere to the directives of our high command. Therefore, the meeting is merely postponed and not called off. We are awaiting the availability of National General Secretary and State In-Charge Randeep Singh Surjewala to finalize the new date. His schedule is currently unknown to me."

"I made it clear to him (Surjewala) that this meeting wasn't politically motivated and I extended an invitation for him to join us. Surjewala responded that he is presently occupied but will inform us of his availability soon," Parameshwara emphasized.

"If anyone dares to suggest that we cannot hold a meeting to address Dalit issues, we are more than capable of responding firmly. We have strength," he asserted.

Parameshwara continued, "I'm unaware of any complaints made to the high command by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar regarding this meeting. We had even discussed including Shivakumar in our preliminary talks. There’s nothing to hide."

Regarding the meeting, Parameshwara noted, "During a convention in Chitradurga for SC and ST communities ahead of the Assembly elections, we committed to addressing several issues and a resolution was established. Following that, the Congress attained power in the state and numerous promises were fulfilled."

"To discuss a decrease in Scheduled Castes Sub-Allocation and Tribal-Sub Allocation and to collectively tackle community issues, we opted to convene a meeting of SC, ST MLAs, MPs, and Ministers," he noted.

"Initially, we did not inform the high command as we believed it was an internal matter. However, Randeep Singh Surjewala is our National General Secretary, and naturally, he would receive information. He called me, and I invited him to attend the meeting," Parameshwara explained.

When questioned about the halt of the dinner meeting, Parameshwara clarified that the Chitradurga convention had the presence of high command leaders, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and other National General Secretaries.

When asked if he needed permission from the high command for the dinner meeting, Parameshwara stated that it was necessary for discussions but not for the dinner itself.

"The high command has not opposed the meeting, but if they express a desire to participate, how can I decline?" he clarified.

"There are numerous issues affecting Dalits that require discussion. As the Home Minister, I have overseen the registration of many cases. No one has indicated that they will not tolerate discussions on Dalit matters," he asserted.

"When a high command representative attends the meeting, many issues will be resolved. If there are any intentions to undermine Dalits, it will become evident. The reasons behind our postponement will also be revealed," he claimed.

Previously, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's faction demanded that in the event of a leadership change in the state, senior Dalit leader Parameshwara should be considered.

Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly R. Ashoka criticized the ruling Congress party in light of this situation.

R. Ashoka remarked, "Parameshwara is organizing a farewell gathering for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Within Congress, leaders have openly stated their intentions to seize power by displacing those currently in leadership roles."

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