Karnataka's former deputy CM Parameshwara throws hat in the ring

BENGALURU: Even as parleys continued in Delhi to decide the next chief minister of Karnataka, senior Congress functionary G Parameshwara on Tuesday sprung a surprise by saying he is ready to serve as CM if the party leadership asks him to do so.

“If the high command asks me to run the government, I’m ready to do it,” he said amid intense lobbying for the post by party stalwarts Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. Parameshwara was deputy chief minister during the Congress-JD (S) coalition government led by HD Kumaraswamy.

Without mincing his words, he said: “I am keeping quiet, but being silent doesn’t mean I’m incapable. I too can mobilise a group of 50 MLAs to support me, but I don’t want to do that. I trust the high command. If they give me an opportunity, then I will not say no.”

ADalit who represents Koratagere in Tumakuru, Parameshwara said high command is aware of his service to the party. “I have worked for the party, served as its president for eight years and brought it to power (in 2013). Also, I have served as deputy CM. So, I feel there is no need for me to ask for the post or lobby for it,” he added. Meanwhile, some supporters of Parameshwara staged a protest in Bengaluru, demanding that a Dalit be made the CM.