Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, stirred political circles with recent comments in Belagavi. Consequently, he ignited a fresh debate over the Congress party’s leadership structure.
Speculation continues regarding a leadership change halfway through the Congress government’s five-year term. Some call this the “November revolution.” Amid these rumors, Yathindra made a striking and unexpected statement at a public event.
Read more: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/final-stage-of-career-siddaramaiahs-son-amid-karnataka-cm-change-row-backs-satish-jarkiholi-to-lead/articleshow/124740056.cms
The Controversial Statement
Yathindra spoke during the unveiling of a Kanakadasa idol in Kappalaguddi village, Raibag taluk, Belagavi district. Subsequently, he made this remark:
“My father, (Siddaramaiah), is in the final stages of his political career. Satish Jarkiholi must take the Congress forward, as he is a leader committed to ideological politics, progressive thinking, and principles.”
This direct endorsement immediately projected Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi as a potential successor from the Siddaramaiah camp. In addition, Jarkiholi is a prominent Scheduled Tribe (ST) leader and a key figure in the CM’s AHINDA (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) support base.
Political Fallout and Rival Reactions
Political rivals immediately scrutinized the comments. Indeed, they coincide with strong internal lobbying by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s supporters. These supporters actively push for Shivakumar to lead the government, citing his efforts in strengthening the party. CM Siddaramaiah, however, has consistently maintained his plan. He intends to serve his full five-year term and lead the party in the next assembly elections.
Reporters questioned D.K. Shivakumar about Yathindra’s remarks. The Deputy CM offered a non-committal response. “You (media) ask him about what he has said. What can I say, if you ask me,” Shivakumar stated. Nevertheless, he reiterated his commitment to abide by the high command’s direction and work with Siddaramaiah.
Senior Congress leaders quickly moved to douse the speculation. AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala clarified the issue. Ultimately, he called the current discussions merely “conjecture.” Surjewala maintained that the party was not discussing an immediate change of guard in the state.
Yathindra and Jarkiholi Issue Clarifications
Following the swift political reaction, Yathindra later clarified his statement. He explained that people misinterpreted his comments. He insisted the statement was not about an immediate change in the Chief Minister’s post.
His father has stated he will not contest elections after 2028. Therefore, Yathindra explained that his comments were only future-looking and ideological.
“I only said that after him, someone who believes strongly in Congress ideology, which is social justice, secular ideology, should be able to lead the Congress party,” Yathindra stated. Crucially, he emphasized Jarkiholi was ideally suited to carry forward this progressive, social justice-oriented ideology.
Minister Satish Jarkiholi expressed gratitude for the backing. Furthermore, he also clarified the context. Jarkiholi asserted the comments intended to strengthen the AHINDA community’s political leadership. However, they did not explicitly name him as the next Chief Minister. “The party has to decide who will be the successor,” Jarkiholi said.
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