Cabinet Shuffle Sparks Debate, Yatindra Says Father Followed Party Protocol

During a meeting with reporters in Mysore, Urban Development Minister Yatindra Siddaramaiah addressed swirling rumors that his father, ex‑CM Siddaramaiah, ignored the wishes of the AhinDa bloc while expanding the state cabinet. He pointed out that Siddaramaiah had recommended a slate of senior leaders, among them H.C. Mahadevappa, for ministerial slots. However, the Congress high command opted to allocate a position to Narendra Swami, a decision already explained to senior members like Mahadevappa and Tanveer Saith. Yatindra emphasized that the ultimate selection was made after weighing multiple variables, including the unrest among the Kuruba caste after Siddaramaiah stepped down as chief minister. The minister also recounted his recent drought‑assessment tour of Mysore, during which he visited the Urulinga Peddi and Suttur monasteries to seek blessings, following his appointment as district‑in‑charge minister.