Bengaluru

Ahead of the crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Karnataka, leaders from several Dalit organisations staged a protest at Kempegowda International Airport on Saturday, demanding that senior Congress leader and former minister K H Muniyappa be appointed Deputy Chief Minister.

Members of the Madara Mahasabha and other Dalit groups gathered at the airport carrying placards and banners in support of Muniyappa. The protesters were seeking to submit a memorandum to Congress leader and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, who arrived in Bengaluru ahead of the party's leadership discussions.

The demonstration at Terminal 1 continued for several hours and attracted considerable public attention.

Protesters argued that the Madiga community has historically been denied key leadership positions in the state, including the posts of Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president. They insisted that the community should now be represented at the highest levels of government through the appointment of Muniyappa as Deputy Chief Minister.

Some demonstrators warned that overlooking the community's demand could politically damage the Congress and affect its electoral prospects in the future.

The protest coincided with the arrival of senior Congress leaders, including K. C. Venugopal and Surjewala, who are expected to participate in consultations before the legislature party meeting later in the day.

Speaking on the leadership selection process, K. H. Muniyappa said the party was following its established procedure. He noted that proposals and endorsements were being made and expressed confidence that the process would be completed by the evening.

Meanwhile, demands for key positions also emerged from the Lingayat community. Supporters of senior Congress leader Eshwar Khandre, led by Guru Basava Pattadevaru, called for him to be considered for a Deputy Chief Minister's post.

The religious leader stated that the Lingayat community expected adequate representation in the new leadership structure and cautioned that neglecting their demand could have political consequences in future elections.

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The Congress Legislature Party meeting is scheduled to take place at the Vidhana Soudha later on Saturday. Party leaders are expected to formally elect a new leader, with widespread speculation indicating that D. K. Shivakumar could be chosen as the next Chief Minister. Discussions are also underway regarding the appointment of multiple Deputy Chief Ministers in the new government.