Karnataka Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Thursday, 6 August defended his father and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against charges that the veteran leader had failed to fight for Cabinet berths for AHINDA community leaders who had backed him, during the recent Karnataka Cabinet expansion. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra maintained that Siddaramaiah had indeed recommended senior names — including former minister H.C. Mahadevappa — to the Congress high command, and that the final selection was the party leadership's call alone.

What Yathindra Said in His Father's Defence

Yathindra, who also holds charge as Mysuru district incharge minister, told reporters that Congress Working Committee member Siddaramaiah had explicitly included Mahadevappa's name in the list of recommended ministers. The high command, however, chose to induct Narendra Swamy as a new face instead.

'The party high command has already spoken to senior leaders like H.C. Mahadevappa and Tanveer Sait and explained the reasons behind the decision,' Yathindra said. He rejected allegations that Siddaramaiah had sidelined loyal AHINDA leaders, insisting that several factors had been weighed by the party before finalising the list.

Why Yathindra Himself Entered the Cabinet

Yathindra also addressed questions about his own induction, attributing it to discontent within the Kuruba community following Siddaramaiah's exit from the Chief Minister's post. 'The Kuruba community was unhappy after Siddaramaiah relinquished the Chief Minister's post. Considering that sentiment, I have been given an opportunity in the Cabinet,' he said.

Mahadevappa Heads to Delhi Amid Simmering Discontent

The Cabinet row continued to simmer on Thursday, with senior Congress leader and former minister H.C. Mahadevappa departing for New Delhi, reportedly to meet the party's national leadership. The move is widely seen as a signal of his dissatisfaction with how the expansion was handled.

According to party sources, a section of legislators believes Siddaramaiah recommended only a limited number of names, leaving several of his close associates and loyalists out of the final list. Mahadevappa, considered a close confidant of Siddaramaiah, had previously differed publicly with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on several issues and had also advocated the creation of additional Deputy Chief Minister posts during Siddaramaiah's tenure as CM.

AHINDA Bloc Unrest and What Comes Next

The AHINDA bloc — an acronym representing Minorities, Backward Classes, and Dalits in Karnataka — has been a critical constituency for Siddaramaiah's political identity. Discontent among legislators associated with the bloc reportedly grew after the expansion exercise, with party insiders saying several members feel their claims were not pressed strongly enough before the high command.

This comes amid reports that discussions between Siddaramaiah and senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on the Cabinet list were a flashpoint for resentment. Earlier on Thursday, Yathindra also visited Urulinga Peddi Mutt and Suttur Mutt in Mysuru as part of the state government's drought assessment exercise, undertaken on directions from Chief Minister Shivakumar. Whether the Congress high command moves to address AHINDA grievances — possibly through organisational roles or other accommodations — will determine how long this fault line remains open.