Amid intense speculation about a potential change in Karnataka's leadership, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's political base is mobilizing. His supporters are launching a series of district-level rallies across the state, reviving the influential Ahinda plank to solidify his standing as the leader of underprivileged communities.
Mysuru Rally to Signal Political Strength
The mobilization campaign is set to begin from Siddaramaiah's home district of Mysuru on January 25. Organizers plan to hold the event at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds, expecting a turnout of around 50,000 people. This event is intended to culminate later in a large state-level convention, sending a clear political message.
The rallies are a direct response to the heightened political chatter surrounding the chief minister's post, fueled by Siddaramaiah's reported internal tussle with his deputy, DK Shivakumar. Organizers from the Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum state the objective is to oppose any move to replace Siddaramaiah before his term ends.
The Ahinda Movement: A Political Legacy
Ahinda, a Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits, is a political movement with deep roots in Siddaramaiah's career. He launched it in 2004 while he was still a member of the Janata Dal (Secular). The movement successfully projected him as a champion of marginalized sections but also led to his expulsion from the HD Deve Gowda-led party.
After joining the Congress, Siddaramaiah leveraged this base to become chief minister twice. However, the party's high command has historically been cautious about the Ahinda movement's revival. Several past attempts by his supporters to organize similar rallies were declined, including a proposed event in Hassan in November last year, which was converted into a party function instead.
In a significant shift, Ahinda leaders have decided to proceed this time without waiting for formal approval from the Congress high command, indicating the urgency and gravity of the situation from their perspective.
Warnings of Political Fallout and Internal Support
Leaders backing the rallies have issued stark warnings about the potential electoral consequences of replacing Siddaramaiah. KS Shivaramu, president of the organizing forum, claimed that nearly 75% of Ahinda voters supported the Congress in the 2023 assembly polls. He cautioned that sidelining Siddaramaiah could alienate communities that constitute about 80% of Karnataka's 7-crore population.
Shivaramu clarified, "We have no objection to Shivakumar becoming chief minister. He is capable and deserving, but our only demand is that Siddaramaiah should continue in office for the upliftment of Ahinda sections." He urged the Congress high command to intervene and clear the confusion.
This mobilization has also garnered support from within the Congress party apparatus. BJ Vijayakumar, Mysuru district Congress president, asserted that all party functionaries representing the Ahinda community would participate, stating the rally would strengthen the Congress as the community is its backbone.
The political maneuvering is further underscored by reports of a leaked letter from former minister and Siddaramaiah loyalist KN Rajanna to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Rajanna, an Ahinda leader from the scheduled tribes, reportedly warned of eroding support among underprivileged classes if a leadership change occurs. Political observers view this as a strategy to consolidate Ahinda backing and advocate for Rajanna's re-entry into the cabinet ahead of a possible reshuffle.
When contacted, Rajanna expressed confidence that the high command would soon end the speculation and also decide on the long-pending cabinet reshuffle.
