MYSURU: Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday declared that his grandson Dhawan Rakesh will enter politics once he completes his education.
Addressing a gathering on a day he filed his nomination from Varuna constituency, Siddaramaiah said, “This is my last election and after me, there is Yathindra and Dhawan Rakesh”. While the crowd cheered, Siddaramaiah gave a long pause. “He is still 17 years old and the minimum age to enter electoral politics is 25. There’s another eight more years and he still hasn’t completed his studies. Once he completes studies, he will enter politics if you people agree”, he said.
“The love and affection you have showed to Dhawan is the love and affection you had for Rakesh (Siddaramaiah’s late son). Rakesh was much loved in Varuna and Chamundeshwari constituencies. I am contesting the election in the hope that you will bless me”, he added.
Earlier, a huge crowd had gathered at Siddaramaiah’s house to catch a glimpse of Dhawan Rakesh and his mother. Speaking to Public TV, Dhawan said he is keen on entering politics. “I was inspired from a young age by seeing my father and grandfather. After I complete my education, I am keen to enter politics”, he said.
To a question on whether he intends to fill the void left by his father Rakesh Siddaramaiah, who too aspired to be an MLA, Dhawan said, “The people have showered a lot of love on my grandfather and uncle (Dr Yathindra). Without them, we wouldn’t be here, so I want to return all of it back. I wanted to see what work my father had done, and what people feel about him”.
On how Siddaramaiah reacted when he said he will join him in the election campaign, Dhawan said, “He was very happy and said that I should accompany him everywhere. It will take some time for me to get used to public life, let’s see what happens. After my exams, I will campaign with my grandfather here”, he said.
Dhawan said he too wishes to speak like how Siddaramaiah speaks in the Assembly with fluency. “I want to see him back as Chief Minister”, he added.