They are unhappy with poor representation in the party
BANGALORE: Discontentment seems to be brewing in the Bharatiya Janata Party again with a section of Dalit legislators in the party holding a meeting here on Saturday night to prepare the ground to seek “proper representation” for them in various party positions.
Twelve Dalit legislators, including a Minister, are said to have met at the residence of a Dalit leader in Indiranagar.
Sources said that the legislators expressed their dissatisfaction over not providing representation to any Dalit leader in the 16-member coordination committee formed to improve coordination between the party and the Government.
They also expressed displeasure over meagre representation to Dalits in a newly formed committee of the party to look into issues related to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
The legislators alleged that representation to Dalits in the appointment of party’s district unit presidents was not adequate.
They are said to be of the view that the schemes for the welfare of Dalits are not being properly implemented by the BJP Government.
Pointing out that the party had 42 Dalit legislators, some of the participants reportedly maintained that the party should have taken them into confidence during the election of its State unit president.
They decided to seek adequate representation to Dalits in the appointment of new office-bearers of the party.
They pointed out that of the three nominated MLC posts which are vacant, two were earlier held by Dalits. They reportedly decided to seek nomination of at least one Dalit as an MLC.
Sources in the party termed it only a preparatory meeting to set the stage ready to take up their demands with the party and the Government.
The Dalit legislators are expected to hold some more meetings before taking up their demands with the party organisation.
Meanwhile, the timing of the disgruntled Dalit legislators’ meeting has aroused curiosity in the party circles as it was held a few hours after the newly appointed State unit president K.S. Eshwarappa took charge in the presence of party president Nithin Gadkari.
The meeting of the Dalit legislators is being described as an attempt to send a message to the party leadership.
Reference From The Hindu
|