Bengaluru, Oct 24 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar refrained from commenting on the statement made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son and Congress MLA Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who suggested that Minister Satish Jarkiholi should be considered as his father's successor. Shivakumar emphasized that he would pass the message to the relevant parties.

While speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar was asked if he would issue a notice to Yathindra, to which he replied: “I won’t discuss this matter now. I will ensure that the message reaches the appropriate audience.”

“I uphold discipline. The discipline of my party is paramount,” Shivakumar asserted. His comments could spark significant controversy within the ruling Congress party, as the Siddaramaiah faction is anticipated to respond to Shivakumar’s statements.

In the meantime, sources revealed that the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has already forwarded a report on Yathindra’s statement, alongside a video of his announcement, to the party's high command. The Shivakumar camp is optimistic that the national leadership will take note of the conveyed message.

Congress MLC Rajendra Rajanna, son of former minister K.N. Rajanna—who was removed from the cabinet for differing with Rahul Gandhi on the voter fraud issue—stated: “Yathindra’s comments are personal. He mentioned a change in leadership after 2.5 years, proposing that PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi should assume the role of Chief Minister after this term, considering the leadership of marginalized communities. He did not suggest that changes would occur immediately. The decision regarding a notice to Yathindra will be made by the party president.”

“The Congress Legislature Party and the high command will determine who will hold the Chief Minister’s position. In the CLP meeting, MLAs will select their leader, and whoever is chosen will become the Chief Minister,” he added.

Two-time Congress MLA K.H. Ranganath, a firm supporter of Shivakumar, remarked: “Shivakumar embodies the Congress government's ideology, which is to unite all religions and communities. Our Chief Minister also represents the same principle. There is no ambiguity. As State Party President, Shivakumar is inclusive of everyone.”

“In my view, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar should eventually become the Chief Minister. I am not in a position to dictate the timing. The decisions lie with the MLAs and the party, and when a decision is reached, our wishes will manifest,” he expressed.

In a pivotal development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, remarked that his father is nearing the end of his political career. He noted that at this critical juncture, Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi would be instrumental in guiding those who advocate scientific and progressive thought.

Yathindra stated: “Today, my father is at the twilight of his political journey. He is in the concluding phase of his political life. At this moment, for those who support scientific and progressive ideas, Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi will take charge and provide leadership.”

“Minister Satish Jarkiholi will also lead the way for all who believe in the Congress party's ideology. I have complete faith that he will set an example in this regard. It is uncommon to find leaders devoted to ideology. Minister Jarkiholi has embraced that responsibility, and I urge him to continue his work in this direction,” Yathindra added.