Bengaluru, April 29 (IANS) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Wednesday that the proposed AHINDA convention in Hubballi was aimed at addressing the socio-economic backwardness of marginalised communities and bringing them into the mainstream.

The event is being held amid speculation that the convention was a show of strength for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid the row over the change of guard in the state.

It can be noted that AHINDA stands for Alpasankhyataru, Hindulidavaru, and Dalitaru and refers to Minorities, Backward Classes, and Dalits.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said the AHINDA movement was initiated to uplift communities that are educationally, socially and economically backward.

He further added that AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge is well aware of the prevailing political situation in the state within the ruling Congress party.

Further supporting the AHINDA convention, he said, “Such a convention should be held. Their issues must be discussed and addressed. It is important that these communities are encouraged to come into the mainstream.”

Responding to questions on why a separate Dalit convention had not been held, Parameshwara said the concerns of Dalits would also be addressed within the AHINDA framework.

On the ongoing speculation over a possible change in the Chief Minister, the Home Minister said he did not have much information, and it would not be appropriate for him to comment. He said AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge was well aware of the political situation in the state.

“It is a matter of pride that Kharge is the AICC president. He has vast experience and a deep understanding of state politics. If he becomes Chief Minister, it would be a matter of great happiness,” he said.

He also clarified recent visits by senior leaders to New Delhi, stating that Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar had gone to discuss issues related to protection, while leaders such as Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Minister K.H. Muniyappa had visited to meet the SC Commission regarding internal reservation matters.

On criticism over the Speaker’s office remaining silent in the Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni case, Parameshwara said the matter was part of a process that could not be stopped. “There may be a delay of a day or two, but the process will be completed,” he said.

Regarding the issuance of a notification on internal reservation, he said it had been released in line with the government’s decision and would pave the way for recruitment to around 56,000 posts.

“All departments, including ours, will proceed with recruitment. The Finance Department has already given its approval,” he added.

It can be noted that amid the leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, intensifying following the conclusion of voting in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam, the ruling Congress party is witnessing hectic political activities.

Following a meeting of Shivakumar with the party’s high command recently, cabinet ministers and staunch supporters of CM Siddaramaiah have gone to Delhi. These leaders have issued a public statement urging the high command to end the confusion over leadership in the state.

Congress insiders state that, along with this, the cabinet ministers, hailing from oppressed classes, are pressuring the high command to consent to the AHINDA convention. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar had earlier scuttled the plans of holding the AHINDA convention in the state.

Sources further state that the AHINDA convention will be used to send a strong message that CM Siddaramaiah is an unquestionable leader of the oppressed classes and minorities. The organisation of the convention also has the objective of compelling the high command to continue Siddaramaiah in the CM’s position for the full term.

–IANS

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