"The reports said dalits form the largest community in the state with 1.48 crore (Scheduled Castes 1.08 crore and Scheduled Tribes 40.45 lakh) and followed by Muslims (70 lakh), Lingayats (65 lakh), Vokkaligas (60 lakh), Kurubas (45 lakh) and other backward classes (95 lakh). The Congress has to either appoint a dalit or a candidate backed by Siddaramaiah, who enjoys the support of Muslims and backward classes, as the KPCC chief."