Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is “nearing the end” of his political career, according to his son Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who has publicly suggested that senior Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi could be the ideal candidate to carry forward his father’s political legacy.
The statement — made at a local event — comes amid renewed speculation within the Congress party over potential leadership changes and internal factional differences within the Karnataka government.
Yathindra’s Remark Sparks Political Buzz
Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, a former MLA and the Chief Minister’s son, said his father’s decades-long political journey may soon draw to a close. “My father has given his life to politics. He is in the last phase of his political career. It’s hard to find leaders today who are committed to an ideology — Satish Jarkiholi is one of those rare ones who can continue that legacy,” he said.
Yathindra’s remarks are being seen as politically significant, as they come at a time when speculation is rife about power-sharing dynamics between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Rift Rumours and Leadership Change Talks
Reports of a possible Cabinet reshuffle and leadership transition have been circulating within the Congress-led Karnataka government. The situation escalated when four Congress legislators were served show-cause notices for publicly demanding that Shivakumar be made Chief Minister.
Although both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have downplayed talk of an internal rift, party insiders say the Congress high command is closely monitoring developments in the state.
The Chief Minister, who recently turned 76, has often indicated that he may not seek another full term in politics, lending weight to his son’s statement.
Satish Jarkiholi Reacts
Congress MLA Satish Jarkiholi, known for his influence in northern Karnataka and his outspoken progressive stance, has previously distanced himself from chief ministerial ambitions. “I am not in the race for CM,” he had said earlier this month.
However, Yathindra’s endorsement has once again brought Jarkiholi into the spotlight, especially as the Congress gears up for the 2028 Assembly elections and seeks to consolidate support across caste and regional lines.
What This Means for Karnataka Politics
Political observers believe Yathindra’s comments could be an early signal of succession planning within the Congress. While Siddaramaiah remains a towering figure in Karnataka’s political landscape, his acknowledgment of advancing age and Yathindra’s open support for Jarkiholi may shape the next phase of the party’s leadership strategy.
The Congress high command, led by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, has so far maintained silence on the matter but is expected to weigh in should internal tensions escalate further.
Summary:
As Karnataka’s Congress government navigates internal challenges, Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s remarks about his father’s political exit and support for Satish Jarkiholi have stirred a fresh round of speculation. While no official leadership change has been announced, the statement underscores that succession conversations within the ruling party are well underway.
