'At the fag end of his political life’: Yathindra’s remark on father Siddaramaiah’s political future sparks speculation

Belagavi (Karnataka): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, stirred speculation on Wednesday after stating that his father is at the “fag end” of his political life and praising Minister Satish Jarkiholi as a leader with progressive ideological thinking. His remarks have fueled discussions around a possible leadership change in the state Congress.

However, speaking to reporters later, Yathindra clarified that no discussions regarding a leadership change have taken place.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, seen as a potential contender for the Chief Minister post in case of a leadership change, refrained from commenting on Yathindra’s statement. He reiterated his commitment to working with Siddaramaiah while following the party’s direction.

"You (media) ask him (Yathindra) about what he has said. What can I say, if you ask me," Shivakumar said during a visit to Raghavendra Swamy Math in Andhra Pradesh’s Mantralaya. On talks about the CM change involving his name, he added, "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."

Speculation about a change in the Chief Minister’s post has been circulating as the Congress government approaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, sometimes referred to as the “November revolution.”

Addressing a gathering at Chikkodi, Yathindra said, "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." He further expressed hope that Jarkiholi will take on such responsibility, saying, "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."

Yathindra’s statement led to media speculation that he and the Siddaramaiah camp may be projecting Jarkiholi, a senior leader from the ST community, as a potential Chief Ministerial candidate in the event of a leadership change.

Later, Yathindra sought to downplay the controversy, saying that the issue of leadership change "has not come up for discussion." AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, also clarified that "remaining everything is speculation."

Amid the ongoing speculation, Siddaramaiah has consistently maintained that he intends to complete his full five-year term as Chief Minister.

After the Assembly election results in May 2023, there was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the Chief Minister’s post. The Congress managed to convince Shivakumar to accept the Deputy Chief Minister role. There were reports at the time suggesting a possible “rotational Chief Minister formula,” under which Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years, but these have not been officially confirmed by the party.