Karnataka Minister Timmapur Sparks Row As He Stakes Claim To CM Post: 'Why Can't Dalit Become CM?'

However, Timmapur dismissed rumours of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stepping down or any imminent cabinet reshuffle, stating that such decisions rest solely with the party high command.

In response to BJP protests over the recent incident involving the mutilation of cows in Chamarajpet, Timmapur criticised the opposition for politicising the issue.

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Amid ongoing infighting within the Congress party in Karnataka, Excise Minister RB Timmapur has publicly staked his claim to the Chief Minister's post citing his Dalit identity. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Timmapur questioned why Dalits should not aspire to the state’s top political position.

"Why shouldn't Dalits make it to the post of the CM? Why shouldn't I become the Chief Minister? Who will object if I become the CM?" Timmapur asked, as per a report on IANS. He added that while the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting’s approval and the high command’s decision would play crucial roles, he is prepared to take up the role if given the opportunity.

Timmapur noted that a meeting of Dalit leaders had been postponed and not cancelled and emphasised the importance of addressing the concerns of the Dalit community.

"The meeting of Dalit leaders has not been cancelled. We have postponed it. The woes of Dalits need to be heard. I have spoken about the sacrifice... The high command will decide on the change of the Chief Minister. Who has stated that CM Siddaramaiah would be asked to step down? I do not know about power-sharing. I also do not know about cabinet reshuffle," he said, as per the report.

In response to BJP protests over the recent incident involving the mutilation of cows in Chamarajpet, Timmapur criticised the opposition for politicising the issue. He questioned their silence on past atrocities against Dalits, urging them to refrain from "petty politics."

Several Congress leaders have periodically expressed interest in the Chief Minister's post. In addition to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the names of State Home Minister G. Parameshwara, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil, and RDPR, IT, and BT Minister Priyank Kharge are also being discussed.