Bengaluru: With CM Siddaramaiah who is on the verge of completing three years in power, grappling with scams in which he and his family members are allegedly involved, KPCC president and Home Minister, Dr G. Parameshwar on Sunday kicked off a debate asking why a Dalit should not be the Chief Minister or Prime Minister in this country?
It is no secret that Mr Siddaramaiah and Dr Parameshwar are not on talking terms and whatever camaraderie they display is just for the sake of public consumption.
Ever since Dr Parameshwar lost the 2013 Assembly polls shocking everyone and was forced to offer the CM's post on a platter to Mr Siddaramaiah, he has been trying to grab the top slot or at least the deputy CM’s post but his efforts have met with stiff resistance from the CM who was virtually forced to allot him the Home portfolio a couple of months ago.
Speaking at the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, organised by Siddharth Education Institutes here, Dr Parameshwar sarcastically remarked that Dalits have not got their due even though the country secured freedom way back in 1947.
"Dalits are still a subjugated lot. Tell me how many Dalits have become Chief Ministers? May be one or two and none of them have completed their term. Is there a possibility of a Dalit becoming Prime Minister? I do not think so. Whenever the issue of a Dalit aspiring to become CM arises, every effort is made to suppress these aspirations," he said in an emotionally choked voice.
Citing the US example, Dr Parameshwar remarked angrily that when a country like the USA can have a black President for two terms, why are parties in India still hesitant to even talk about Dalits aspiring to become CM or even PM?
"This is a clear case of Hindu society not accepting Dalits as one among equals. Hindu society believes in the caste hierarchy and fails to accept Dalits as their brothers. As Dr Ambedkar showed us (Dalits) Dalits must stop being Hindus and start embracing Buddhism in large numbers," he said.
He contended that he was proud to be born a Dalit but not a Hindu, as Hindu society has not still evolved to embrace Dalits. "In many villages, Dalits are still treated as untouchables. There are hotels which still keep separate plates and glasses to serve Dalits who are not even allowed to enter these places. Do we (Dalits) still need to be remain Hindus, after facing so much humiliation?," he questioned.
Suggesting that Dalits should elect their representatives to both the Assembly as well as Parliament, Dr Parameshwar said, "The present electoral system does not help Dalits elect Dalits. Dalits can get empowered politically and socially only if the present electoral system overhauled.
