Siddaramaiah’s son in line for post in cabinet

Yathindra, the son of outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has put himself forward for a cabinet berth, signaling his ambition for a ministerial role. People familiar with the internal political dynamics indicated that the possibility of Yathindra's appointment was part of a power-sharing understanding established when the Congress party formed the state government in 2023. This agreement reportedly involved a mid-term rotation of the chief minister's post between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.

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Even when we travelled to Delhi to meet Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders, we did not make any such demands. In fact, Rahul Gandhi and other leaders said that I should be given a post in the cabinet and should be allowed to grow.

Yathindra, currently a member of the state legislative council, refuted claims that his father had specifically requested a cabinet position for him during recent discussions in Delhi. Instead, he stated that senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, had expressed support for his inclusion and growth within the cabinet. "I am definitely an aspirant for a cabinet post," Yathindra confirmed.

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I am definitely an aspirant for a cabinet post.

His remarks come amid intense deliberations over the composition of the new ministry as Shivakumar prepares to take oath as chief minister. Party leaders are weighing competing demands for ministerial positions and senior posts. Negotiations are reportedly focusing on the appointment of two deputy chief ministers, with MB Patil and Priyank Kharge emerging as leading contenders. Satish Jarkiholi is also being considered for a deputy chief minister role, alongside a potential appointment as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president.

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There are discussions on whether deputy Chief Minister posts should be created or not. The Congress party will take a decision on the issue.

Initially, the party considered appointing up to four deputy chief ministers to accommodate various regional and social interests. However, the number is now expected to be limited to two due to competing claims from senior leaders. Decisions on whether to create deputy chief minister posts are still under discussion. Senior leaders such as G Parameshwara and Eshwar Khandre are also seeking significant positions in the new administration. Shivakumar is also likely to retain key portfolios, including Bengaluru development and finance.

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There should be both senior and young leaders in the cabinet. You cannot do away with experienced leaders. It should be a good combination.