Around five months before the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress has played dalit card by projecting a leader for the post of Deputy Chief Minister, if Congress comes topower. Surprisingly, Congress that found it quite difficult in projecting chief ministerial candidate, has now come out with a new strategy to woo dalit voters. Addressing a programme of SC community, AICC general secretary and in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Deepak Babaria announced that once Congress comes to power, Surendra Chaudhary from the Dalit community would be made the Deputy Chief Minister. Babaria referred to late Congress leader Jamuna Devi, who belonged to the tribal community and was given key responsibilities by the party including the post of leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh assembly.
He further said, “It is the Congress party that has given Dalit President and Dalit Chief Ministers in the country.”
Babaria claimed at the time of appointing acting presidents in Madhya Pradesh, AICC president Rahul Gandhi had selected Chaudhary as one of the five acting presidents, only to ensure representation to Dalits within the party.