Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, has triggered a fresh political storm within the ruling Congress after declaring that PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi would be the “fit candidate” to become the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Speaking at an event to unveil the statue of Kanakadasa in Kappalagudi village, Raibag taluk, Belagavi district, Yathindra, a Congress MLC, said: “Satish is a rational and progressive leader who embodies all the qualities we need today.”
The remark made while Siddaramaiah has repeatedly insisted he will complete his full term—has deepened internal unease, particularly within Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s camp, which is eyeing the chief ministerial post in the future.
DK Shivakumar, when asked to comment, avoided direct confrontation but hinted at his displeasure. “I won’t speak now, but I will speak to those who should be spoken to. Discipline is the priority of my party,” he said.
Shivakumar’s supporters, including two-time MLA KH Ranganath, defended their leader, saying he represented the Congress’s inclusive vision. “DK Shivakumar will soon become the CM of Karnataka,” Ranganath said, while stressing that the final decision rests with the party high command.
Meanwhile, sources within the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) confirmed that a report and video clip of Yathindra’s remarks have been sent to the national leadership for possible disciplinary review.
Satish Jarkiholi, a close associate of Siddaramaiah, responded cautiously. “There is still a lot of time. Let us wait and see. The party will decide who should be the leader. Yathindra expressed his personal opinion,” he said. Jarkiholi reiterated that he intends to stake his claim for the CM post in 2028 but added, “Still 30 months are left, so there is no need for discussion now.”
The episode underscores simmering leadership tensions within the Karnataka Congress—a party that, despite its strong majority, continues to wrestle with questions of succession and internal power balance.
