The HD Kumaraswamy led-Janata Dal (Secular) has announced that it will consider having Deputy Chief Ministers from among women, Dalits, and minority communities, and the party is not hesitant to have a Chief Minister from minorities if the situation demands.
During his tour to Kolar district as part of the Pancharatna Yatre ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections 2023, the former chief minister Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said, “I have already announced that I will make Dy CM from Dalit community to provide social justice if my party comes to power. If it is necessary to empower women, we are ready to appoint one. If they don’t get the opportunity, then why shouldn’t a Muslim become the Chief Minister?”
“Party president C.M. Ibrahim has said that even he has a chance to become the Chief Minister if the JD(S) comes to power. Why not?” he asked.
Kumaraswamy said that G. Parameshwara became Deputy CM after much struggle in the Congress and Govind Karjol’s name had to come from the BJP high command, the Hindu reported. Both the leaders are from Dalit communities.
He accused the Women and Child Welfare Department of not doing enough and said he would appoint a woman as Deputy Chief Minister for development of women.
However, he added that there is no political motive in it, but doing good to these communities.
(With inputs from The Hindu)
