Bengaluru – In the midst of a heated leadership battle inside Karnataka’s ruling Congress, MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah defended his recent remarks that named Minister for Public Works Satish Jarkiholi as his father’s potential successor.
When reporters asked Yathindra about the comment, he said, “I spoke plainly. There’s nothing wrong with what I said.” He added that he would respond to any notice he receives and reaffirmed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will finish the five‑year term.
The issue comes as Siddaramaiah is set to travel to Delhi on Nov. 15 for meetings that could trigger a cabinet reshuffle. Congress members have already urged that senior legislators be included in the next cabinet, sparking worries that the party has sidelined experienced lawmakers.
Opposition in Karnataka has slammed the situation. The BJP criticised Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for not acting against Yathindra’s claim that Jarkiholi might replace Siddaramaiah. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka fired shots at Shivakumar, questioning why he lets his rival promote a future chief minister while ignoring the senior senior leaders. Ashoka also warned that if Shivakumar became chief minister, “Siddaramaiah would still be the real power.”
Yathindra said his father was “at the end of his political career” and that, at this “critical juncture,” Jarkiholi should take the lead for those who “embrace scientific and progressive ideas.” His words have hit a nerve in a state already hoping for clearer power sharing.
Shivakumar, who has insisted that the party’s priority is discipline, said he would forward the issue to the right people. He declined to comment further on whether a notice would be issued to Yathindra.
Senior Congress leaders have already sent a report and a video of Yathindra’s statement to the party’s national command. While no public action has yet been taken, the disagreement threatens to deepen divisions inside Karnataka’s ruling party and could influence the political balance in upcoming debates over strategy and leadership succession.
Source: ianslive
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