‘Siddaramaiah Nearing End Of Politics’: Son Names Possible Congress Successor; Shivakumar Reacts

‘Siddaramaiah Nearing End Of Politics’: Son Names Possible Congress Successor; Shivakumar Reacts

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son stirred a debate by suggesting that Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi could be a potential successor to take forward the legacy of his father, who he said is in the final phase of his political career.

Yatindra's remark comes in the backdrop of speculations of a leadership change in Karnataka, which the Congress party had denied in the past.

While talks are reportedly underway to discuss a possible leadership change, Siddaramaiah's son, Yatindra, made a surprise announcement that his father was nearing the end of his political career and a leader like Satish Jarkiholi would be the best candidate to take forward his legacy.

Yatindra noted that it was difficult to find a person who is attached towards a particular ideology and suggested that Jarkiholi can take forward the mantle of a progressive leader. Notably, Jarkiholi had previously said that he was not part of the race for the chief ministerial position.

The murmurs over a cabinet reshuffle had grown louder as the Congress government neared the completion of 2.5 years in office, where reports suggesting Shivakumar's elevation as CM as part of a deal after the 2023 Assembly elections. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have denied such reports.

Later, Yatindra made a U-turn by claiming that there will be no leadership change 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 said all discussions regarding the leadership change are mere speculation, adding that Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala has also clarified that there would be no change in the state leadership.

Responding to Yatindra's remarks, Shivakumar offered no comment and said, “You should ask him, what can I say?" He also said the Congress high command will take the final decision on the matter.

He said party workers should be devoted to the party and the leadership has not allowed any sort of groupism. “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 had dismissed renewed speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, saying he would complete a full five-year term in office. “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.

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This followed a controversial statement by former MP and Congress spokesperson LR Shivarame Gowda, who asserted that Shivakumar will “100%" become the CM by November. He suggested that all signs point to leadership change, directly challenging the Congress high command's efforts to maintain public unity on the issue.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar has denied such buzz, saying, “Only I and God know when I will become chief minister." He also said that the decision for the chief ministerial post lay strongly with the Congress high command.

Source: News18
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