Daijiworld Media Network - Kalaburagi (SP)

Kalaburagi, Jan 19: "I will not stake claim to the post of the chief minister of Karnataka on the basis of the dalit community to which I belong," stressed leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. He felt that seeking the position on the basis of his caste will automatically nullify the service he has rendered for the party as its worker. "Being a sincere worker of the party, I have served the party for 50 years," he reminded.

"I have been discharging duties entrusted to me by the party leaders sincerely. I have never applied or lobbied for specific positions or responsibilities. It is up to the high command to decide who would be the next chief minister. But I will never back my demand for some post on the basis of my caste affiliation," he stated.

To a question who will lead the party in the assembly election in the state, Kharge stated that Siddaramaiah happens to be the captain of Congress leaders. He also added that the legislature party session will decide about the next chief minister. When he was asked whether he dreamt of becoming Prime Minister of the state, he answered in the negative.

Kharge came down heavily on union minister, Ananth Kumar Hegde, for speaking lightly of Congress leaders from this state. He asked Hegde to give details of what BJP has done for these people. He analyzed the words uttered by Hegde gave enough hints about his culture and the type of training people get in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, of which Hegde claims to be a pround member.