'Talked About Ideological Successor, Not CM': Siddaramaiah Clarifies Son's Remark

'Talked About Ideological Successor, Not CM': Siddaramaiah Clarifies Son's Remark

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra stirred a debate among political circles a few days ago by saying that his father was in the fag end of his political career and hinted at Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi as a successor. Now, Siddaramaiah has clarified that he was talking about an ideological successor.

Siddaramaiah said his son did not name anyone as his successor. “What can I do if his statement is twisted? I asked Yathindra what comment he made. He told me that he only spoke of him (Satish Jarkiholi) as an ideological successor, not as the next CM."

When asked about the need for such a statement in the midst of confusion over the successor, Siddaramaiah blamed the media for wrongly presenting Yathindra's remarks. “You people do not stay quiet and keep asking such questions despite saying no," he said.

Yathindra's recent remarks brought a storm in the Karnataka Congress unit, where he said that his father was in the final phase of his political career and Satish Jarkiholi is a leader with similar progressive ideological thinking.

“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." Minister Satish Jarkiholi is a leader with similar progressive ideological thinking," he said in Belagavi on Wednesday. “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."

His statement was perceived as declaring Siddaramaiah's successor, coming at a time amid rumours that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar would succeed Siddaramaiah in November as per a compromise arrived at in 2023 based on a ‘rotational chief minister formula'.

However, Shivakumar and Jarkiholi had downplayed Yathindra's remarks. However, Jarkiholi has made it clear that he would contest for the CM post in the 2028 Assembly elections.

“He (Yathindra) has only expressed his personal view, and everyone is free to express their views. Finally, it is left to the party high command and party MLAs to decide. Well, there is a lot of time. Let's wait and watch," Jarkiholi told reporters on Thursday.

Later, Yathindra made a U-turn by claiming that there would 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.

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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.

(with inputs from agencies)

Source: News18
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