Yathindra Assured Cabinet Berth

BENGALUR: About 50 ministerial candidates are wondering whether they will be able to become ministers in the new state government that will be established on Wednesday. Meanwhile, one of the key decision-makers, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, was quoted as saying by the outgoing prime minister’s son, Congress MLC Dr. He reportedly assured Yathindra Siddaramaiah that he will be in the Cabinet.

“The last time I met Rahul Gandhi, in a face-to-face meeting, he assured me that I will be inducted into the cabinet. I am hopeful that I will be inducted into the cabinet,” Yathindra told reporters in New Delhi. Yathindra stated that there was no desire for the Deputy Prime Minister’s post and said: “Whatever portfolio is given to me, I will gladly dismiss it.”

On his father’s request for a coordination committee, Yathindra said: “It was just a suggestion and an appropriate decision will be taken after weighing the pros and cons.” Yathindra won Varuna in Mysuru in the 2018 elections and left this election to her father Siddaramaiah in 2023. The party rewarded Yathindra with the MLC seat.

However, Yathindra faced criticism for allegedly interfering in the management of some ministries. He is said to have meddled in the affairs of the energy department and initiated the transfer of a senior bureaucrat. Angered by the interference, Energy Minister KJ George threatened to resign, but the issue was later resolved.

Several MLAs also alleged that Yathindra’s father was taking advantage of his position and interfering in the affairs of their constituencies. Congress leaders said: “The move to include Yathindra in the cabinet is to please Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiah’s active role in party activities can only be ensured by keeping his son happy in the ministry.”