Yathindra. File. | Photo credit: MA Sriram
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s remark that Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, an ST leader, could take over the mantle of leader as his father was at the end of his political life has sparked another political storm about the much-discussed “November revolution” in the ruling Congress faction.
On Wednesday Dr. Speaking at a rally in Belagavi, Yathindra expressed hope that Mr. Jarkiholi would take responsibility and be a role model and leader associated with progressive ideological and philosophical values.
“It is difficult to find leaders who are committed to principles, but Mr. Jarkiholi is doing his job with commitment. He should continue to do so,” he added.
Statement by Dr. Yathindry assumes significance as it comes days after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s assertion that the chief minister’s choice will be decided by party top brass and not on the basis of MLA support, essentially setting the stage for his possible succession to power as the Congress government nears its half term.
Many believe that Dr. Yathindra was “speaking the Chief Minister’s mind” and was an attempt to project Mr. Jarkiholi, an influential leader from Belagavi, as the chief ministerial face in case the party high command pushes for a leadership change after the November Bihar elections.
Mr. Jarkiholi’s name being floated is also seen as an attempt to checkmate Mr. Shivakumar’s ambitions and also send a message to the party high command, who is expected to look into the matter carefully. He is in no mood to repeat the blunder committed in 1989-94 when there were three Chief Ministers — Veerendra Patil, S. Bangarappa and M. Veerappa Moily — in a short space of time.
“What can I say?”
When the media asked Mr Shivakumar for his reaction to Mr Yathindra’s remark, the Deputy Chief Minister shot back, saying: “You (the media) are asking him (Mr Yathindra) what he said. What can I say?” Mr. Shivakumar, the chief contender for the post of Chief Minister, was on a temple run and is now on a pilgrimage to Mantralayam after visiting the Hasaanamba temple in Hassan.
Further, Mr. Shivakumar said, “As Siddaramaiah and I have said, we will follow whatever the party high command asks us to do.”
As the furore over Mr Yathindra’s remark grew, Mr Jarkiholi said, “The party has to decide who will be the successor. He (Mr Yathindra) has expressed his personal opinion. Ultimately it is the party and the MLAs who will decide. There is still time, let’s wait and see what happens.” However, Mr. Jarkiholi said the Congress needed the leadership of AHINDA. “I cannot do politics without the support of AHINDA.
Meanwhile, senior party leader TB Jayachandra, MLA, said, “The high command will take a decision to change the leadership based on the support of the MLAs. The chief minister’s seat is not vacant at the moment.”
Minister MB Patil said that Mr. Yathindra did not say anything wrong and only appreciated Mr. Jarkiholi’s leadership skills. Home Minister G. Parameshwara said, “There is no discussion on the Chief Minister’s post. The party high command and the CLP will take a decision on leadership matters at an appropriate time.”
“No Substance”
Ramanagara MLA and KPCC chief loyalist HA Iqbal Hussain said, “His statement has no substance or weight.”
While the contractors’ organization says there is rampant corruption in the government, intensifying factional fighting in Congress would further damage the government’s image.
Published – 23 Oct 2025 20:45 IST
