Bengaluru: “I am proud to be a Dalit. But, it hurts when people recognize me only on the basis of that identity,” said KPCC President, G Parmeshwar, here on Sunday.

He was speaking on the occasion of Dr. BR Ambedkar’s 125th birthday celebrations.

However, he said that he too had very often thought of shedding his Dalit identity and embrace Buddhism- as done by Dr Ambedkar.

Further, adding to the ongoing debate of having a Dalit as Chief Minister of the state, Parameshwar questioned if a black community man can become the President of US, why can’t a Dalit become a CM here.