Congress Party in Karnataka disappoints the minorities
Bengaluru: People of Karnataka should be indebted to veteran politician Shamanur Shivashankarappa (SSS). His expression of frustration on being denied a berth in the cabinet of the new state government has gone far beyond voicing his personal wrath. He has denounced the Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka in extremely harsh words, alleging that it has completely sidelined the Lingayat community not only by depriving it of important berths in the state cabinet but also by denying prominent government posts to the officers belonging to the community.
Despite his fervent dedication to the welfare of the Lingayats and his acknowledgment of the community's pivotal role in his political ascent,
SSS appears to have totally forgotten his position as an elected representative and the fact that during his recent election campaign, he had approached voters belonging to various castes and communities, and had begged for their votes. Today he seems to be giving the credit for his growth as a senior political leader and being elected as an MLA, entirely to the Lingayat Welfare Association, absolutely excluding his party, his voters and all his supporters. In his statements, he consistently mentions 'we' and 'our people' and says "we have 74 legislators" referring to all the MLAS from the Lingayat community, as if being a Lingayat is his only identity, ignoring his association with a particular political party and its ideology.
Those wondering why the people of Karnataka should be grateful to SSS should note that his blunt outbursts have prompted not only Mr.Siddaramaiah the CM, but also many of his ministers, government officials and his coteries to refute SSS by rolling out a series of revealing facts and figures that vehemently refute every charge of any wrongdoing towards the Lingayat community and show the enviable privileges being enjoyed by the community in the state. Interestingly, in the process, some shocking facts showing the extent of the marginalisation of several other groups and communities have been inadvertently revealed.
Lingayats, constituting 13% of Karnataka's population. The extent of their representation in the government and administration can be assessed by the following figures:
► In the new Cabinet comprising 34 ministers, 7 (20.58%) are Lingayats.
► Among the 87 prominent posts held by IAS officers in the state, 22 (25.2%) are occupied by Lingayat officers.
► Out of 41 university vice-chancellors, 13 (31.7%) are Lingayats.
► Among the 45 Chief Engineers in the state, 12 (26.6%) are Lingayats.
► There are 31 District Commissioners (DCs) across the state. 3 of them (9.67%) are Lingayats.
► In the case of 31 District CEOs, 4 (12.9%) are Lingayats.
► Of the 409 KAS officers holding significant positions, 102 (24.94%) are Lingayats.
► Among the 29 Superintendents of Police (SPs) in the state, 4 (13.8%) are Lingayats.
► Out of 5 Police commissioners in Karnataka, 1 (20%) is a Lingayat.
► Out of 14 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) in the state capital, 1 (7.14%) is a Lingayat.
These statistics provide a comprehensive overview of Lingayat representation across various governmental and administrative roles, illustrating the diverse levels of their participation in the system.
Indeed, the facts brought to light in response to the outbursts of SSS have debunked the notion that the Lingayat community has been discriminated against. On the contrary, the data indicates that the community has not only been fairly represented but on several fronts, it enjoys privileges that far exceed its proportion in the state population. In some instances, its representation is almost double compared to its percentage in the population.
Let us wholeheartedly welcome the extraordinary passion and zeal shown by the CM, his party, members of his cabinet and his supporters in responding to the accusations made by the veteran Lingayat leader and the enthusiastic manner in which they have presented the facts to show the true position of the lingayat community in the state. Unfortunately, however, on many occasions in the past, when leaders of the Dalit, OBC and minority communities had aired their displeasure over their respective communities being denied their fair share in the government, administration and the party, neither the CM nor the others around him had shown much interest in addressing their concerns. No significant measure was taken to console or pacify them.
The Muslim community in Karnataka, constituting 13% of the state's population (around 90 lakh), has always been projected in the Media as the most appeased community, enjoying all the privileges and constantly receiving favorable treatment from the government in general and from the Secular parties in particular. However, a closer examination of the statistics gathered from various sources recently, reveals the actual position of the Muslim community on various fronts in the state.
► Out of 34 ministers in the state Cabinet, only 2 (5.88%) are Muslims.
► Among the 41 University Vice-Chancellors, the number of Muslims is Zero (0%).
► Among the 5 Commissioners of Police in the state, the number of Muslims is Zero (0%).
► Among the 7 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) outside the state capital, the number of Muslims is Zero (0%).
► Out of the 14 DCPs in Bengaluru, only 1 (7.14%) is a Muslim.
► Among the 29 Superintendents of Police (SPs) in the state, 1 (3.44%) happens to be Muslim.
► Of the 45 Chief Engineers in the state, 2 (4.44%) are Muslims.
► Among the 31 District CEOs, 1 (3.22%) is a Muslim.
► Out of 53 Assistant Commissioners in the state, 5 (9.43%) are Muslims.
► Among the 31 District Commissioners (DCs) in Karnataka, 2 (6.45%) are Muslims.
Despite constituting 13% of Karnataka's population, the Muslim community faces gross underrepresentation on almost all fronts. While on several significant fronts, their presence is absolutely zero, in areas where they do have some level of presence, the govt seems to be determined to keep it below 10%.
Muslims in Karnataka have a special relationship with the current government led by Siddaramaiah. Although Siddaramiah and his party are reluctant to acknowledge it, those who have studied the Exit Poll conducted by India Today, immediately following the assembly elections can never ignore this relationship. In fact, it is this exit poll that is said to have caused JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy to spew venom on the community every day. As revealed by this exit poll, while only 20% of Lingayat voters and 24% of Vokkaliga voters had voted for the Congress party, a remarkable 88% of Muslim voters had cast their ballots in support of that party in the Assembly elections. Obviously this overwhelming support had played a decisive role in bringing the Congress to power in Karnataka.
Unfortunately, however, the party does not seem to be in any mood to reciprocate this gesture. The party has refused to give any place at all to the Muslim community in its list of priorities. Muslims who unitedly and enthusiastically supported the Congress party believing that bringing it to power would result in their empowerment, stand totally disillusioned today. The position of Dalits and OBCs is not much different. The situation remains quite grim for these communities. The government has shown no commitment to undo any of the hostile measures taken by the past BJP regime. It has refused to move even one step toward the empowerment of the marginalised communities and ensuring fair representation to them. This is quite evident in the pattern of appointments, promotions and transfers made by the government.
The Congress party should not forget that soon it will have to go to the people again seeking their electoral support. The party will no doubt have to pay a very high price if it does not mend its ways.
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Shivakumar’s CM aspiration natural, high command will decide: Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Saturday that Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, as the state Congress president, naturally aspires to become chief minister. However, he added that the final decision rests with the party's high command.
Amid ongoing speculation about a leadership change within the ruling Congress, he wished Shivakumar "good luck".
"I have always wished him so. There is nothing else; we are good friends. He is the PCC (Pradesh Congress Committee) president, and naturally, he has an aspiration to become the chief minister. Nobody can object to it. But it all depends on what the high command decides,” Parameshwara said in response to a question regarding Shivakumar’s aspiration for the CM post.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “Don’t always go back to the CM issue. Please understand there is nothing that I can tell you about it. If I were part of the decision-making body or inside the decision-making body, I could definitely provide information.”
Supporters of Shivakumar have been insisting on his elevation in line with a reported power-sharing agreement with chief minister Siddaramaiah when the party won the 2023 Assembly elections. Some have even claimed that "sweet news" is expected by May 15, which is Shivakumar’s birthday.
Speculation has been circulating within the Congress and political circles about a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, once the results of the Assembly elections in four states and one union territory, along with bypolls to two Assembly segments in Karnataka, are announced.
However, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge said on Thursday that there is no CM change in Karnataka "for now" and that the leadership issue in the state will be resolved soon.
On Friday, he said no date has been fixed yet to discuss a possible leadership change, while maintaining that any decision in this regard would be taken collectively by the party high command after due consultation.
Meanwhile, Parameshwara met senior Congress leader and MLC B K Hariprasad and Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan over dinner on Friday. Hariprasad had met Siddaramaiah earlier in the day.
Responding to a question about discussions at the dinner, as his name is also being mentioned for the chief minister post amid calls for a "Dalit CM", the home minister said there was no discussion about the chief minister issue.
“Hariprasad told me that he met the CM, but he did not disclose what was discussed between them. Hariprasad, Zameer Ahmed Khan, and I met over dinner, and we discussed the elections held in four states and one union territory. We analysed the national-level political situation and naturally discussed the state’s political developments,” he said.
When asked if he would travel to New Delhi to meet the party high command, Parameshwara said, “I will definitely go to Delhi. Nobody can stop me from going there. I will go when it is required.”
