Mysuru: On May 13, 2013, when Siddaramaiah was preparing for his swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister, his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah headed to work, showing no interest in politics. However, today, Yathindra is the only legislator from Mysuru to secure a cabinet minister position in the Shivakumar-led government.
Political Journey
Yathindra, a two-time legislator, was elected as an MLA from Varuna in 2018 and nominated to the Legislative Council in 2024 after vacating his seat for his father in the 2023 elections. He has surpassed senior legislators, including former district minister HC Mahadevappa, to become a minister.
Despite his initial disinterest, Yathindra took up political responsibilities following the death of his brother Rakesh Siddaramaiah in July 2016. He began assisting his father in handling the Varuna segment, facing criticism as he was not an elected member. Then CM Siddaramaiah nominated him to a government body, enabling him to manage the segment.
In 2018, when Siddaramaiah shifted to the Chamundeshwari segment, Yathindra contested from Varuna and won. However, when Siddaramaiah decided to return to Varuna, Yathindra chose not to contest and was later nominated to the Upper House in June 2024. “In Siddaramaiah’s second term, he learned the ropes of administration,” a close associate said.
Missed Opportunities
Senior leaders N Cheluvarayaswamy, HC Mahadevappa, K Venkatesh, and Madhu Bangarappa missed cabinet berths. Others like Tanveer Sait, PM Narendra Swamy, C Puttarangashetty, BK Sangameshwar, Belur Gopalakrishna, KM Shivalingegowda, and AS Ponnanna hope for future induction. Madhu Bangarappa’s supporters are confident he will be retained, recalling his father S Bangarappa inducting Shivakumar into his cabinet in October 1990.
Cabinet Calculations
Congress functionaries are tight-lipped, but many believe senior leaders like Mahadevappa and Venkatesh are unlikely to be inducted unless former CM Siddaramaiah intervenes. “There is no certainty of a minister post for senior lawmakers. Shivakumar is not willing to induct many from his community to provide representation to other castes, strengthening the party base for the 2028 elections. If BK Hariprasad becomes KPCC chief, the community may not get more representation. Cabinet expansion is based on these calculations,” party insiders explained. Congress leaders from the Old Mysuru region also expect more representation in Rajya Sabha and state legislative council elections.
