Karnataka witnessed the emergence of a Dalit movement, alongside a farmers’ movement, in the early 1970’s and 1980’s. Led for the dignity and rights of the oppressed classes, it also awakened a political consciousness.This state has see the rise of many Dalit leaders such as V Srinivasa Prasad, H C Mahadevappa, K H Muniyappa, B Somashekar, Govind Karajol and Ramesh Jigajinigi, who contributed their mite in making non-Dalits Chief Ministers. But, they could not consolidate their support base – 26 per cent of the population – to occupy the ‘CM gaddi’.
This failure is largely due to divisions within this community, along caste and sub-caste lines, and over poll issues and ego clashes.While Dalit Sankarsha Samithi founder B Krishnappa led the Dalit rights’ movement, writers Devanoor Mahadeva, Siddalingaiah, Chandraprasad Thagi and others drew the masses, worrying the then government.
Dalits benefited from Indira Gandhi’s 20-point programme and D Devaraj Urs’ government, which ushered in land reforms and banned employment of nightsoil carriers. But, their aspirations to lead the state were always thwarted.N Rachaiah, a prominent leader in Congress from Mysuru region, was a front runner for the chief ministerial post with his commitment and administrative skills. But, he could not overcome the opposition put up by the dominant communities and win over the high command.
Rachaiah with support of 57 MLAs moved a no-confidence motion and ensured that B D Jatti replaced Nijalingappa in 1960.
B Rachaiah, from Janata Parivar, who had handled all portfolios, had seen his chance when there was a division in the party. But it slipped away, between the proverbial cup and the lip, when both factions arrived at a consensus and made S R Bommai their CM candidate.
Veteran Congress leader K H Ranganath , a Dalit leader, created history by winning from a general constituency. He served as an MLA, an MP and minister in all cabinets, and was Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President twice. But, he could not bag the key post because of poor lobbying.
B Basavalingappa, who had banned hiring of Dalits to carry night-soil and who supported D Devaraj Urs’ land reforms, was also a strong contender for the CM’s post, after pulling down the S Bangarappa government. But, M Veerappa Moily, from the then Union Minister K Karunakaran camp, came to lead that government.
Mallikarjuna Kharge was tipped to be the Deputy CM in S M Krishna’s Cabinet, again this plan fell through when few in Congress said that it could send the wrong message when senior-most Dalit leader Ranganath was also in the cabinet. He was made KPCC President in 2006, but Congress lost the 2008 state elections.In 2012, the Congress made G Parameshwara as KPCC President, which may have led to the party coming back to power on its own. But, after his 2013 defeat in Koratagere, Siddaramaiah was chosen over him.