Bengaluru, Sep 23 (UNI) Karnataka Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy on Saturday pitched for six Karnataka Deputy Chief Ministers and Mallikarjun Kharge as prime ministerial candidate.
Agreeing to Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna’s proposal of having three DyCMs, Rayareddy said discussions are underway to create a few more DyCMs in the interest of ensuring Lok Sabha elections.
“I do agree with Rajanna’s proposal that more DyCMs are required for better administration. I am suggesting at least there should be six DyCMs,” he said. Even Andhra Pradesh has five DyCMs for better administration.
Karnataka should have six DyCMs, taking into account the large size of the state, Rayareddy said.
“This means creating another five DyCMs with DK Shivakumar already anointed as the DyCM. Shivakumar could be called principal or No.1 DyCM among the six proposed DyCMs,” he said.
This proposal has been backed by many senior ministers like Dr G Parameshwar, MB Patil and others, Rayareddy said.
On talks about Mallikarjun Kharge being made the prime ministerial candidate, Rayareddy said it would be the second historic moment after Dr Manmohan Singh became the prime minister.
“He is one of the topmost senior leaders in the country now. He has fought more than 12 elections, and belongs to a Dalit community. He is a man of quality, and is a pro-development man. If the Congress party considers him for the PM’s post, I think it will be good for the party as well as for the country.”
“He will be the first Dalit PM in the country. It is up to the party high command to decide whether to make Rahul Gandhi or somebody. This is just my suggestion. Because Madam Sonia Gandhi had given the PM’s post to Dr Manmohan Singh. It was a great thing. Like that it will be a second historical moment if Kharge is elected for the PM post,” he said.
