Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, stirred a fresh political debate after he suggested that Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi could be the right candidate to carry forward his father’s political legacy, saying that the veteran leader is in the final phase of his career.Yatindra’s statement comes amid renewed speculation of a leadership change in Karnataka, something the Congress has consistently denied. His comments, however, have reignited conversations within political circles about the party’s future leadership in the state.Speaking to reporters, Yatindra said that his father’s long political innings was drawing to a close and described Jarkiholi as someone capable of taking forward Siddaramaiah’s progressive legacy. “It is difficult to find a person who is attached to a particular ideology,” he said, adding that Jarkiholi fit that bill. Notably, Jarkiholi had previously clarified that he was not in the race for the chief ministerial position.
The remarks came at a time when murmurs of a cabinet reshuffle have been growing louder, as the Congress government nears the halfway mark of its five-year term. Reports have suggested that DK Shivakumar’s elevation as chief minister could be part of an internal agreement reached after the 2023 Assembly elections, a claim both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have denied.Shortly after his remarks triggered speculation, Yatindra backtracked, asserting that there would be no change of leadership in Karnataka. “Our high command has made it clear that there is no change of leadership in Karnataka. Whenever elections approach, the BJP claims there will be a change in leadership. But we know the reality within our party,” he said.He further added that Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala had also confirmed there would be no leadership change in the state.Reacting to Yatindra’s statement, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar chose his words carefully. “You should ask him, what can I say?” he remarked, adding that the final decision rests with the Congress high command. Shivakumar also emphasised that the party remains united and there is no scope for factional politics. “If I wanted to indulge in groupism, I could have done anything. But there is no fun in doing such politics,” he said.Last month, Siddaramaiah himself dismissed speculation of a transition, saying he would complete his full five-year term. “I will continue as CM for the remaining 2.5 years. They said I won’t become CM for a second time, but I did and will continue for another 2.5 years,” he said.His remarks followed those of former MP and Congress spokesperson LR Shivarame Gowda, who had claimed that Shivakumar would “100%” become CM by November, a comment that directly contradicted the party’s stance on leadership stability. Meanwhile, Shivakumar has brushed off such talk, as he said, “Only I and God know when I will become chief minister,” while reiterating that the final say lies with the Congress high command.
