Karnataka CM used, dumped face of Dalits in Mysuru, says Congress senior leader

Bengaluru: Reports that Revenue Minister, V. Srinivasaprasad will be dropped from the council of ministers as part of the Cabinet reshuffle has not gone down well with several party leaders, who feel it could cost the Congress in the 2018 assembly poll.

“If the reports are true, then it amounts to Mr Prasad being used and dumped. He has been the face of the dalits of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts. The Congress may pay a heavy price in the next elections by dropping him,” warned a senior leader.

The minister seemed to be aware of his shaky position as four MPs, Dhruvanarayan, D.K. Suresh, Chandrappa and Mudduhanumegowda pleaded his case with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on his arrival in Delhi and also met leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, M Mallikarjun Kharge and KPCC president, Dr G Parameshwar to underline his usefulness to the party.

In a note to AICC vice-president, Rahul Gandhi they suggested he be given a light portfolio, if need be, as dropping him would alienate the dalits, who could be crucial in elections in many constituencies of the old Mysuru district.

The minister’s supporters point out that not only has he streamlined the revenue department but also not given room for anyone to point a finger at him for corruption. “With hardly 22 months to go for the 2018 Assembly polls, it will be an insult for an experienced leader like Mr Prasad to be dropped from the Cabinet,” they stressed.