Yathindra’s statement has sparked speculation amid ongoing discussions about a possible leadership change. However, later speaking to reporters, the Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) ruled out any talks on a leadership change
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. FILE PIC
Karnataka Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra on Wednesday said that his father was at the fag end of his political life and described Minister Satish Jarkiholi as a leader with similarly progressive ideological thinking, news agency PTI reported. The statement has sparked speculation amid ongoing discussions about a possible leadership change.
However, later speaking to reporters, the Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) ruled out any talks on a leadership change.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who is seen as the prime contender to succeed Siddaramaiah in case of a change of guard, refrained from commenting on Yathindra's statement. He reiterated his commitment to an earlier statement that he and Siddaramaiah will work together, following the party's direction, PTI reported.
Speculation about a change in the CM’s post has intensified as the Congress Government approaches the halfway mark of its five-year term next month, which some have referred to as the “November revolution”.
“He (Siddaramaiah) is at the fag end of his political life. At such a time, a leader is needed to guide and lead those who have progressive thinking, ideologically,” Yathindra said.
Addressing a gathering at Chikkodi, he expressed hope that Jarkiholi would assume such a responsibility and serve as a role model for politicians and young leaders who believe in the Congress party’s ideology, PTI reported.
“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,” he added.
Yathindra’s statement led to media speculation that he and the Siddaramaiah camp might be projecting Jarkiholi, a senior leader from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, as a possible contender for the CM post in case of a leadership change.
Later, speaking to reporters, Yathindra clarified that the issue of leadership change had not been discussed. All-India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, said: “Remaining everything is speculation.” He declined to comment on questions related to a cabinet reshuffle.
Responding to a question on Yathindra’s remarks, Shivakumar, who was visiting Raghavendra Swamy Math in Andhra Pradesh’s Mantralaya and spoke to reporters in Raichur, said, “You (media) ask him (Yathindra) about what he has said. What can I say, if you ask me?”
On speculations about the CM post involving his name, he said, “I don’t want anyone to discuss me. What Siddaramaiah and I have said — we will abide by the party direction and work together. I’m committed to it.”
Amid talks of a CM change, Siddaramaiah has consistently reiterated that he will complete a full five-year term.
After the Assembly election results in May 2023, there had been stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister’s post. The Congress eventually managed to retain Shivakumar as Deputy CM. Reports at the time suggested a “rotational chief minister formula,” under which Shivakumar would take over as CM after two-and-a-half years, though this has not been officially confirmed by the party.
(With PTI inputs)
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