Bengaluru, October 24, 2025 – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has responded to recent speculation surrounding his potential successor, dismissing claims that his son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, had endorsed any particular individual for the role. The Chief Minister asserted that his son's remarks were misinterpreted by the media, leading to unnecessary confusion within the Congress party.
The controversy arose after Yathindra Siddaramaiah, a Congress MLC, spoke at a public event in Belagavi district. During his address, Yathindra emphasized the need for a leader to guide the party with progressive and rational policies, particularly as his father approaches what he termed the "fag end of his political life". He suggested that Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi possessed similar ideological thinking and could be mentored for a leadership position.
These comments were widely interpreted as an endorsement of Jarkiholi as Siddaramaiah's successor, sparking intense speculation in Karnataka's political circles. Rumors had already been circulating about a possible change in leadership, with some suggesting that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar might take over as part of a pre-existing rotational agreement.
Siddaramaiah, however, has firmly denied that his son's statement constituted an endorsement. "Yathindra never said that 'so-and-so' should become the Chief Minister," Siddaramaiah told reporters on Friday. "Such speculations are baseless and should not be given undue importance". He insisted that his son was only referring to the need for an "ideological successor" to carry forward progressive principles, not a direct replacement as Chief Minister. He further clarified that Yathindra's remarks were made in the context of the 2028 Assembly elections, after which Siddaramaiah may no longer be actively involved in politics.
Satish Jarkiholi himself acknowledged Yathindra's comments, stating that any aspirations for the Chief Minister's post would only be considered after 2028 and in accordance with party decisions. He added that Yathindra's endorsement related specifically to AHINDA (Alpasankhyatharu, Hindulidavaru, and Dalitaru) community leadership, rather than the Chief Ministership.
The Chief Minister expressed frustration with the media's portrayal of the situation, stating, "What can I do if his statement is twisted?". He reiterated his intention to complete his full five-year term, dismissing any suggestions of an imminent change in leadership.
Reactions within the Congress party have been varied. While some leaders have voiced support for Jarkiholi's potential future role, others, including Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, have refrained from commenting publicly. Shivakumar, when asked about the issue, stated that he would address the matter with the relevant parties privately. "I am not going to speak now, but I will speak to whomever it is that should be spoken to," he told reporters.
The incident comes at a sensitive time, with ongoing rumors of a power-sharing agreement that would see Shivakumar succeed Siddaramaiah in November. However, Siddaramaiah has consistently maintained that he will remain in office for the entirety of his term. The Chief Minister's clarification seeks to quell the rising speculation and reaffirm his commitment to leading the state.
