Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, 3 June said it was disappointing that his father, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, could not complete a full five-year term in office, even as he welcomed his induction into the Karnataka Council of Ministers under the new government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Yathindra described the ministerial berth as a 'big responsibility' and pledged to follow the governance standards set by his father.

What Yathindra said on his father's tenure

'We had hoped that my father, Siddaramaiah, would complete a full five-year term as Chief Minister, but that did not happen. That is the disappointing part. At the same time, the party has given me an opportunity to serve as a minister. It is a big responsibility,' Yathindra said.

He added that he wanted to mirror his father's reputation for clean administration. 'My father is known for his good administration and commitment to the people. Like him, I want to earn a good name and provide effective governance. I will put in my best efforts to fulfil this responsibility,' he said.

Siddaramaiah's continuing role in Karnataka politics

Yathindra asserted that Siddaramaiah would remain the foremost leader of the AHINDA bloc — minorities, backward classes and Dalits — and continue to be an active force in state politics.

'My father has made it clear that he will continue in active politics. He has said that he will continue fighting communal forces and those working against the Constitution. He remains the undisputed leader of the AHINDA communities,' he said.

Praise for D.K. Shivakumar

The newly-inducted minister praised Shivakumar's administrative and organisational record, drawing a parallel with his father. 'Like my father, D.K. Shivakumar is also known as a capable administrator. Within the party, he is respected for his organisational abilities and leadership qualities. I am confident that he will provide good governance and lead Karnataka on the path of progress,' Yathindra said.

He pledged full backing from party colleagues. 'We will join hands with Shivakumar in all efforts aimed at the development and progress of the state,' he added.

Portfolio and future Cabinet expansion

On the portfolio that would be assigned to him, Yathindra said no decision had been taken. 'This is my first opportunity to serve as a minister. The portfolio has not yet been finalised, but whatever responsibility is entrusted to me, I will work honestly and sincerely,' he said.

He also voiced confidence that senior Congress leader and former minister H.C. Mahadevappa would be accommodated in a future Cabinet expansion. 'Mahadevappa is a mass leader with a strong support base. We believe he will be included in the Cabinet in the next phase of expansion,' Yathindra said.

The remarks come against the backdrop of the long-running power-sharing question within the Karnataka Congress, with the leadership transition from Siddaramaiah to Shivakumar drawing close watch from both AHINDA constituencies and the party's central leadership.