Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa speaking to media persons in Kalaburagi on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Responding to media queries on the question of a change of Congress leadership in the State, Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa has said that there is no question of change in leadership.
“Somebody or I cannot decide on the leadership change. High command has already decided on it. I need not say anything,” Dr. Mahadevappa told mediapersons in Kalaburagi on Sunday before leaving for Basavakalyan to participate in a public meeting.
When asked about some Congress leaders making statement about a change in leadership in the State despite the warning from the party high command, Dr. Mahadevappa said that All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge has directed party leaders in the State to ensure that their public statement does not embarrass the party leadership.
“The high command has made it clear that there is no objection to expressing one’s opinion. It has also told the leaders to discuss issues with the high command and maintain discipline,” Dr. Mahadevappa said.
To a question on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah breaking the record of the former Chief Minister late D. Devaraj Urs as the longest serving Chief Minister in the State, Dr. Mahadevappa said that records are meant to be broken.
“When you get an opportunity, you need to focus on development, people’s welfare and safeguarding the rights of the disadvantaged,” he said.
When asked about the question of a Dalit Chief Minister that often comes to the fore, Dr. Mahadevappa said that even B.R. Ambedkar wanted representatives from the oppressed communities to be in key and decisive positions in governance.
“The wish for a Dalit Chief Minister will be realised at an appropriate time in the future depending upon people’s blessings,” he said.
Speaking on the proposed Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes convention, Dr. Mahadevappa said that there are no objections [in the party] to organising such events.
“Organising conferences and conventions are very much common. Political parties, civil society groups and community organisations keep on holding such events. There is no objection at all to [the proposed Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribess convention]. As long as there are problems for Dalits, conventions, conferences, struggles and other activities will go on. This is what Dr. Ambedkar has taught. Nobody has objected to the proposed conference. We need to take all into confidence when we organise such events under the party banner. Even the party high command has not asked us not to organise the event,” Dr. Mahadevappa said.
Dr. Mahadevappa, meanwhile, termed the assault on a NWKRTC bus conductor in Belagavi district and the tension the incident triggered as unfortunate. He added that it is not appropriate [on the part of Maharashtra] to raise border issues time and again as it has long been settled.
Published – February 23, 2025 07:50 pm IST
