Karnataka Minister Says Party Will Decide Leadership After Yathindra’s Remarks

A political storm is brewing in Karnataka after Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sparked speculation by naming Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi as a potential successor to his father’s political legacy. The comment, made on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, has ignited debates about leadership in the ruling Congress party, with Jarkiholi and senior leaders quick to emphasize that the party’s high command holds the reins on such decisions.

Speaking in Belagavi on Thursday, Jarkiholi addressed Yathindra’s remarks, saying, “The party and MLAs will decide the successor. Yathindra shared his personal opinion, but there’s time—let’s see what unfolds.” Jarkiholi, a prominent figure in the Ahinda (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) coalition, didn’t shy away from his own ambitions, reiterating his 2022 claim to the chief minister’s post in 2028. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, but the party decides. With 30 months left, it depends on future developments,” he added, stressing unity and patience.

Yathindra, meanwhile, clarified his stance, noting that his father, now 78, is unlikely to contest the 2028 elections. “This is the last phase of his political career,” he said. “We need a progressive leader who shares his ideology to carry Congress forward.” He firmly denied any immediate plans to replace the current chief minister, aiming to quell rumors of an imminent leadership shake-up.

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Senior Congress leaders, including Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, echoed Jarkiholi’s deference to the party’s high command. Parameshwara dismissed the succession talk, saying, “Yathindra only highlighted Jarkiholi’s capability—what’s wrong with that? Leadership discussions aren’t happening now; the high command and CLP will decide when the time comes.” Shivakumar, often seen as a chief ministerial contender himself, reiterated, “Siddaramaiah and I follow the high command’s directives. That’s the line we’re sticking to.”

The buzz comes as Karnataka’s Congress government navigates its term, with Siddaramaiah’s leadership credited for consolidating the Ahinda vote bank. Jarkiholi, a key Ahinda leader, reaffirmed his commitment to the coalition, stating, “I can’t do politics without the Ahinda tag. Everything will fall into place in time.”

With the 2028 elections still years away, the Congress high command faces the delicate task of balancing ambitions and maintaining unity in a state crucial to its national resurgence. For now, Yathindra’s comments have stirred the pot, leaving Karnataka’s political watchers speculating: who will rise to lead the Congress charge next?

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