Siddaramaiah won't stand in way of Dalit CM: A look back at communities to which Karnataka CMs belonged

Incumbent Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday gave his strongest indication yet that he was cognisant of the notion that he may have to step aside as chief ministerial candidate even if his party is part of a ruling coalition in the state.

After telling reporters that this election would be his last , he added , “I have no issues. If the high command says they want to appoint a Dalit as chief minister, I will say go ahead. I am not opposed to anybody.”

It’s worth noting at this point that in the 66 years since the formation of the first Assembly in then Mysore State, there have largely been Vokkaliga and Lingayat chief ministers at the helm, but never one who was a Dalit.

Here’s a table to put Siddaramaiah’s statement into perspective:

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