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Belagavi: Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has reacted to him being projected as the CM’s successor and said the party will take the final decision.
Congress MLC Yatindra Siddaramaiah had recently said that his father, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is in the final stages of his political career and minister Satish Jarkiholi is his likely successor.
Speaking to the media in Belagavi on Thursday, Satish Jarkiholi said, “There is still a lot of time; let’s wait and see. Nothing can be said at this stage. The party has to decide who should be the leader. We will try to take everyone along and the final decision will be taken by the party.”
He further said that Yatindra Siddaramaiah has expressed his personal opinion. He said, “Ultimately, the party and the MLAs will decide. On Yatindra’s statement that I am a suitable person to lead after Siddaramaiah, I have already said that I will stake claim for the CM post in 2028. There are still about 30 months left, so there is no need to discuss it now.”
Jarkiholi said, “The party will have to take a decision on this and we will see when the time comes. What Yatindra has said is his personal view. Everyone has the right to make a statement. Everything cannot be decided now. After 30 months, it will depend on the party, the MLAs and the political mood in the state.”
Speculations have intensified after CM Siddaramaiah’s son, MLC Yatindra Siddaramaiah, recently said that his father is at the last stage of his political career. He further said that at this critical juncture, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi will take the lead in guiding those who follow scientific and progressive thought.
These statements have assumed significance amid rumors of leadership change in Karnataka and talk of a power-sharing agreement.
Yatindra said, “Today, my father is at the end of his political life. He is in the last phase of his political career. At this time, for those adopting scientific and progressive ideas, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi will take the responsibility and provide leadership.”
Yatindra said, “Minister Satish Jarkiholi will play a leading role in showing the way to all those who believe in the ideology of the Congress Party. I am confident that he will set an example in this regard. It is rare to find a leader committed to the ideology. Minister Satish Jarkiholi has taken that responsibility, and I request him to continue his work in this direction.”
The statements have sparked debate in political circles in the state, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said he will complete his full term and lead the party in the next assembly elections. However, MLAs and supporters of the camp of Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivakumar are insisting that in view of his contribution to the party, Shivkumar should be given a chance to become the Chief Minister.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is visiting several temples, saying the final decision will be taken by the high command. Meanwhile, the Siddaramaiah camp says that the decision should be based on the opinion of the MLAs.
Shivkumar had said that no one is bigger than the party. “Party workers should remain dedicated to the party. We have not given any room for factionalism or such politics. If I had to indulge in factionalism, I could have done anything.”
–IANS