Bengaluru: A fresh storm has erupted within the Karnataka Congress after Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, hinted that Minister Satish Jarkiholi could take over the leadership mantle once his father retires from active politics. The remark, made just weeks before the much-talked-about “November Revolution,” has intensified factional chatter within the ruling party.
Yathindra’s comments came during an interaction in Mysuru where he described his father as being in the “final phase of his political career.”
“Siddaramaiah is in the last phase of his political journey. Once he retires, the party will need an ideological leader. Satish Jarkiholi is a principled leader who can guide the party and its young members,” Yathindra stated, sparking political tremors across the state.
The statement immediately set off speculation about a leadership transition within the Congress ahead of November 20 — the date marking Siddaramaiah’s two-and-a-half years in office, as per the internal agreement with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
While many interpreted Yathindra’s comment as a signal towards Jarkiholi as the potential successor, the young MLA later clarified that his remark was “philosophical, not political,” and that he was only expressing admiration for Jarkiholi’s ideological stand.
“I only meant that Jarkiholi is a leader with strong social ideals who can inspire others. There is no talk of leadership change within the Congress,” Yathindra clarified.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, reacting to the controversy, downplayed the speculation:
“I don’t know what Yathindra has said. There’s no need for discussion about who the next Chief Minister will be. The party will decide, and we will continue working together,” Shivakumar said.
Adding to the intrigue, Delhi Special Representative T.B. Jayachandra remarked that the cabinet could see a new shape after November 20, further fueling speculation about possible reshuffles and internal balancing within the Congress government.
“After completing two years in power, the high command may give the cabinet a new structure or shape,” Jayachandra stated.
With multiple leaders dropping hints and the party’s power-sharing deal approaching its crucial deadline, Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s “successor bomb” has set off intense debate in political circles, giving new energy to the “November Revolution” buzz in Karnataka politics.
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