Banjara community leaders demand cabinet berth for Rudrappa Lamani

Bengaluru

As the Congress High Command continues its consultations with state leaders to finalise a new team of cabinet ministers, several leaders from the Banjara community have intensified their demand for a prominent ministerial berth for Haveri MLA Rudrappa Manappa Lamani. 

During the tenure of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Lamani was appointed as the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Community leaders now argue that his experience, electoral contribution and standing within the Banjara community make him a strong contender for a significant portfolio in the next cabinet, which is expected to be headed by D K Shivakumar.

Leaders of the community have come together in support of Lamani, urging the Congress leadership to reward what they describe as his long-standing commitment to both the party and the Banjara community. They contend that the allocation of a key ministry to Lamani would not only recognise his political contributions but also ensure adequate representation for the community in the state government.

Speaking to blrpost.com, Sudhir Lamani, State Banjara Youth Leader, said that Rudrappa Lamani, a three-time MLA, played a pivotal role in mobilising votes for the Congress across Karnataka. He said Lamani emerged as the only leader from the Banjara community to win the 2023 Assembly elections. Other prominent leaders from the community – Bhima Naik from Hagari Bommanahalli, P T Parameshwara Naik from Hadagali constituency and Subhash Rathod from Chincholi, were defeated in the elections.

Sudhir Lamani further stated that the Banjara community stood firmly with the Congress during the Shiggaon by-election in 2024 and the Bagalkot election in 2026 under the leadership of Rudrappa Lamani and his son, Darshan Lamani. He claimed that in the Bagalkot election, where the political atmosphere was initially favourable to the BJP, the Banjara community played a crucial role in altering the electoral dynamics in favour of the Congress.

Adding to the demand, Girish D R, State President of the Banjara Student Union, said that Lamani’s contribution to the welfare and development of the community has been substantial. He pointed out that Lamani took special interest in developing the birthplace of Santa Seva Lal at Sooragondanahalli in Davanagere district. According to Girish, the site had remained in a neglected condition for years before Lamani facilitated development initiatives and secured special government funds for various infrastructure and improvement works.

Yashvant Rathod, another Banjara community leader, highlighted Lamani’s accessibility and rapport with ordinary people. He said that Lamani’s interaction with the poorest sections of the community remained unchanged even after he served as Muzrai Minister in a previous Congress government. Rathod noted that Lamani continued to engage directly with community members and attended to even the smallest issues with dedication and commitment. He added that Lamani’s office remained open and welcoming to people from all sections of society, making him one of the most approachable leaders from the community.

With discussions over cabinet formation gaining momentum, Banjara community leaders are hopeful that the Congress leadership will consider their demand and provide Rudrappa Manappa Lamani with a significant role in the new government.