Belagavi, Karnataka: Amidst ongoing speculation regarding a change in leadership in Karnataka, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has stated that his father is in the "final stage" of his political career and should guide Satish Jarkiholi to lead the Congress party. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who is also a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), made these remarks at an event in Kappalaguddi village of Raibag taluk in Belagavi district during the unveiling of the idol of Kanakadasa.
"My father, (Siddaramaiah), is in the final stages of his political career," Yathindra said. "Satish Jarkiholi must take the Congress forward". He further added that Jarkiholi is someone who can uphold the Congress party's ideology and lead the party effectively.
These comments have stirred discussions within political circles, especially with the backdrop of persistent chatter about a possible change in the Chief Minister's office as the Congress government approaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November. Some refer to this juncture as the "November revolution".
Siddaramaiah's Tenure and Leadership Speculation
Siddaramaiah, a veteran politician from the Indian National Congress (INC), has served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka twice. He first held the position from 2013 to 2018, becoming the first CM in 40 years to complete a full 5-year term. He assumed office again in May 2023 after the Congress party won the Karnataka assembly elections. Born on August 12, 1948, Siddaramaiah began his political career in the 1980s and has since held several important ministerial positions in the Karnataka government.
Despite Yathindra's remarks, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has maintained that he intends to serve his full term and lead the party in the next assembly elections. However, there has been ongoing speculation about a potential power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Supporters of Shivakumar continue to advocate for him to be given an opportunity to head the government, emphasizing his role in strengthening the party.
Adding to the complexity, it was reported earlier in October 2025 that Siddaramaiah emphasized that the support of legislators and the Congress high command's approval are essential in leadership decisions.
Satish Jarkiholi: A Potential Successor?
Satish Jarkiholi, born on June 1, 1962, is a prominent politician from the Indian National Congress in Belgaum, Karnataka. He is currently serving as the Minister of Public Works Department in the Government of Karnataka and has been a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly representing the Yemakanmardi constituency since 2008. Jarkiholi has also held various ministerial portfolios in the past, including Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment.
According to some Congress leaders, Satish Jarkiholi is the natural choice to replace Siddaramaiah. There are indications that Siddaramaiah has favored Jarkiholi, who has always been identified as close to him.
D.K. Shivakumar's Ambitions
D.K. Shivakumar, the current Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president, has also been a strong contender for the Chief Minister's position. Following the Congress victory in the 2023 assembly election, there was intense competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the top post. While reports suggested a "rotational chief minister" formula, the party has never confirmed such an arrangement. Shivakumar has warned the media against creating controversies and spreading misinformation regarding his ambitions.
The coming months will likely be crucial in determining the future leadership of Karnataka, as the Congress party navigates these internal dynamics and prepares for future elections.
