Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son Yatindra Siddaramaiah on Wednesday fueled speculation that his father is nearing the end of his political career and described minister Satish Jarkiholi as a leader who shares similar progressive ideological views.
The comments come amid the ongoing discussion about a possible leadership change in Karnataka.
However, speaking to reporters later, the Congress MLC denied any talks of leadership change.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is being seen as a major contender for the CM post in case of a defection, did not want to comment on Yathindra’s statement, saying he remained committed to his earlier statement that he and Siddaramaiah would work together following the party’s instructions.
‘November resolution’
There is speculation about a change of CM in the state as the Congress government reaches the halfway point of its five-year term in November, which some are referring to as the “November Revolution”.
Yatindra said, “He (Siddaramaiah) is at the last stage of his political career. At such a time, there is a need for a leader to guide and lead ideologically progressive thinkers.”
Addressing a gathering in Chikkodi, he expressed hope that Jarkiholi would take up such responsibility and become a role model for all the politicians and young leaders who believe in and lead the ideology of the Congress party.
He said, “It is difficult to have leaders who are committed to principles, but Jarkiholi is doing his job with commitment. He should continue to do so.”
This statement of Yatindra had led to speculation in the media whether he and the Siddaramaiah camp were trying to project senior ST community leader Jarkiholi as a possible contender for the post of CM in the event of a change in leadership.
Later, while talking to journalists, Yatindra said that the issue of change of leadership has not come up for discussion. AICC Karnataka in-charge General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala also clarified on this and said, “Everything is speculation.”
He did not want to comment on a question on the cabinet reshuffle.
What did Shivkumar say?
Responding to a question on Yatindra’s comments, Shivakumar, who was on a visit to the Raghavendra Swamy Math in the Andhra Pradesh ministry, while speaking to reporters in Raichur, said, “You (media) ask him (Yatindra) what he has said. If you ask me, what can I say.”
On discussions about CM change being linked to his name, he said, “I don’t want anyone to discuss about me. What Siddaramaiah and I have said – we will follow the party’s instructions and work together. I am committed to that.”
Amidst discussions about changing the CM, Siddaramaiah has repeatedly reiterated that he will complete the full five-year term.
There was a tough competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the post of Chief Minister after the assembly election results were declared in May 2023 and Congress managed to convince him and made him the Deputy CM.
There were some reports at that time that an agreement had been reached on the basis of “rotational chief ministerial formula”, according to which Shivakumar would become the CM after two and a half years, but this has not been officially confirmed by the party.
