Bengaluru: From being a political recluse in 2016 to becoming a cabinet minister and torchbearer of his father, former chief minister Siddaramaiah's legacy, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, 45, has come a long way in a short time. While Yathindra believes it is hard to walk out of his father's shadow, he says he can and will carve out a political image of his own. Excerpts from his interview with TOI:
First-Time Minister's Challenges
As a first-time minister, Yathindra acknowledges the need to hit the ground running. With only one and a half years left before the 2028 elections, and the last six months lost in preparation, he must fast-track projects in the urban development department to ensure timely completion.
Questions Over Induction
When asked about being a one-time MLA and MLC, he explained that every cabinet has a mix of old and new faces. The high command decided to induct him just before his father stepped down, with other new faces arriving during cabinet expansion.
Nominee of Father or Kuruba Community?
Yathindra clarified that he represents both. With his father stepping down, the high command believed that giving his son a ministerial berth would pacify the Kuruba community, which was dismayed by Siddaramaiah being asked to vacate his post. The community needs higher representation.
Emerging from Father's Shadow
He admits that emerging from his father's shadow is a challenge, as Siddaramaiah is a once-in-a-generation leader. However, Yathindra states he will not attempt to step into his shoes but will remain true to his ideology and committed approach to carve his own identity, intending to have a long political career.
Continuity of AHINDA Leadership
Yathindra emphasized that the AHINDA movement is bigger than any leader. While his father will continue to be its face, newer faces with commitment to the ideology will join, including himself.
House Leader in Council
Being the house leader in the council is a bigger challenge than handling a department. As house leader, he must tackle the opposition and respond to people's representatives, but he believes experience will help manage that.
Muda Controversy and Conflict of Position
As UDD minister, under which Muda (now MDA) falls, Yathindra addressed the alleged controversy involving his parents. He stated that although an appeal has been filed in higher courts, the peoples' representatives court accepted the B report filed by investigating agencies, giving his parents a clean chit. He does not believe there is a conflict of position.
