BENGALURU: Newly sworn-in Karnataka Urban Development Minister Yatindra Siddaramaiah, son of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is one of the most prominent new faces in the DK Shivakumar-led government. In an interview with HT, he spoke about the priorities of the Congress government and also highlighted the discussions that preceded his father’s exit as chief minister. Edited excerpts:
The new government has already witnessed some friction regarding the formation of the government. Is this a warning sign?
i don’t think so. The issues that have arisen have already been addressed. Ramalinga Reddy’s concerns have been resolved. There is no big problem in the government.
There are still about 20 ministerial positions vacant. When will it be filled?
After the MLC and Rajya Sabha elections. Once those elections are over, the remaining vacancies will be addressed.
Will the new government go ahead with caste survey, as an issue that was close to Siddaramaiah?
certainly. This is not just Siddaramaiah’s case. It’s a commitment from Congress. Rahul Gandhi has consistently called for a caste census across the country, and it was also part of our manifesto.
There were concerns that the previous survey was nearly a decade old and that the new exercise would be more scientific and acceptable to all departments. This survey has now been completed. The report is ready and, as far as I know, will likely be presented to the Cabinet around June 20. I am confident that the government will accept it and move forward with implementation.
The caste survey has faced resistance, including from within Congress. Has this opposition been overcome?
In a Democratic Party, you cannot expect consensus on every issue. The previous poll has been questioned mainly because it is outdated. The leadership wanted to build a broader consensus before making a decision. A new survey has been conducted and many of the previously existing objections have now been addressed.
Siddaramaiah has long been the face of AHINDA politics. Who carries that mantle now?
My father explained that he had only resigned from the position of Prime Minister. He said he would continue to fight for the oppressed Ahinda communities and protect the Constitution. He will remain the main face of the movement.
Meanwhile, Ahinda is bigger than any one person. More leaders must emerge and contribute to the cause.
What role do you expect Siddaramaiah to play now?
He remains one of the tallest leaders of the Congress party. He will continue to lead the party, remain active in Karnataka politics and raise issues related to the weaker and downtrodden sections.
Some leaders suggest that your appointment to the Cabinet was influenced by your father’s political standing and the Congress’ need to reassure the Kuruba community after his exit. Is this fair?
I think both factors may have played a role. My father was the only Kuruba prime minister, and naturally there was disappointment when he stepped down. The party may have felt that having a family member in cabinet would help address some of these feelings.
Critics say you were favored over more experienced lawmakers.
Every government needs a balance between senior leaders and the next generation. Opportunities should be available to both. In fact, discussions about my appointment within the party began even before my father traveled to Delhi for leadership consultations.
How did Siddaramaiah react when the leadership informed him that he had to step down?
He had a one-on-one meeting with Rahul Gandhi and was told that he would have to step down in the interest of the party. He was surprised because when they spoke a few months ago, there was no sign of a change in leadership.
Of course, if he had known earlier, he would have been mentally prepared. But he has great respect for Rahul Gandhi and accepted the party’s decision.
Later, during another meeting which I also attended, Rahul Gandhi told him that the family would be taken care of. Various options, including a Rajya Sabha berth for my father and even for my mother, were discussed, but he rejected them.
Does your position as Minister of Urban Development create a conflict of interest in light of the MUDA case involving your parents?
The investigation was completed and a B report was submitted. The court accepted this report and granted relief to those involved. Although the matter has been challenged in the higher courts, the investigation itself has concluded. I see no conflict of interest.
You are often viewed through the prism of your father’s legacy. How do you build an independent political identity?
Comparisons are inevitable because my father is an important political figure. But I don’t think identity is built through dramatic gestures. If you stay committed to your ideology, work sincerely and stay in touch with people, your own identity develops over time.
Politics wasn’t your original career plan. What has changed?
I entered politics in 2016 after my brother’s sudden death. Before that, I was focusing on my career and built a diagnostic lab. It was my brother who was very interested in politics.
After his death, many people felt that someone should continue this work. Initially, I was only expecting to help run Varuna constituency as my father had limited time as chief minister. Over time, my involvement increased and I became convinced that I could pursue a career in politics.
