Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 13

With the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) joining hands with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for the 2022 Assembly polls, all eyes are on the Congress’ strategy to retain the Dalit community vote bank as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reportedly met the three-member Mallikarjun Kharge panel today.

The party is keen on balancing the power equation in the state Congress, vis-a-vis the 33 per cent Dalit vote share and other communities like Hindus and OBCs in Majha, Doaba and Malwa regions.

During an interaction with the Kharge panel, Punjab Dalit leaders had already talked about the BJP’s “Yug Parivartan” programme promising a Dalit Chief Minister.

Senior Congress Dalit leader Ram Lal Jassi said the Akalis and BSP were in political wilderness. “BSP under Mayawati is losing relevance. Congress is also in dilemma due to unfulfilled promises. Still, to pre-empt any move of the opponents, the party high command should do something big like announcing a Dalit CM face or a PPCC chief. The community is in rebellious mood,” he said.

But as reports indicate that Capt Amarinder Singh would continue to be in the saddle, the high command could think about increasing the strength of Dalit ministers to four or five from the existing three and also include a minister representing the OBC community. But this would lead to dropping some of the ministers.

“The past record, outreach among masses, loyalty and stability, and skills would be the deciding factors to choose the Dalit leader for the assigned job in the election year. Whoever is given the responsibility will have to perform,” said a prominent Dalit party leader.

Dismissing the SAD-BJP alliance, he said the result of their previous alliance was known to all. “I hope Mayawati does not take offer of Parkash Singh Badal to contest from Punjab on its face value. Otherwise, BSP will have to bear the brunt of the misdeeds of Akalis,” he said.

Dalit minister Charanjit Singh Channi said the BSP had been fooled by the SAD. “Going by 33 per cent vote share, the BSP should have been given at least 40 seats,” he added.

Party may see 5 Dalit ministers

• Senior Congress Dalit leader Ram Lal Jassi says to pre-empt any move of the opponents, the party should announce a Dalit CM face or a PPCC chief
• But as reports indicate that Capt Amarinder Singh will continue to be in the saddle, the high command may increase the strength of Dalit ministers to four or five from the existing three
• It may also include a minister representing the OBC community, which would lead to dropping some of the ministers