NEW DELHI: Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Sunday expressed optimism about securing a place in the next Karnataka cabinet, stating that the party high command had assured him of a ministerial position. The son of outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, clarified that no final decision had been made and that he remained an aspirant for a role in the new government.
Yathindra's Statement on Ministerial Aspirations
"Nothing has been decided yet. I am an aspirant for a ministerial berth, and the high command has also assured me that I will be made a minister. So, naturally, I am hopeful," Yathindra told reporters. He emphasized that while the assurance was given, the final call rests with the party leadership.
Meeting with Chief Minister-Designate D K Shivakumar
Yathindra revealed that he met Chief Minister-designate D K Shivakumar to personally congratulate him on being chosen to lead the state. "I have met him only at Vidhana Soudha and on a few occasions elsewhere. I had not met him in his office or at his residence. So I just wanted to come and personally congratulate him," he explained.
Speculation on Deputy Chief Minister Post
Addressing rumors about his possible elevation as Deputy Chief Minister, Yathindra dismissed any such demand from his side or his supporters. "We have neither made any proposal nor put forward any demand for the deputy CM's post. We also do not know what the high command will decide," he said. When asked whether he would accept the role if offered, he replied cautiously, "Let's see that first."
Other Discussions
Yathindra also mentioned that during his interaction with Shivakumar, they discussed the Special Intensive Revision and political developments in Mysuru district, though he did not provide further details. The meeting was seen as a gesture of unity within the party ahead of the formation of the new government.
