‘If party decides, Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra will become cabinet minister’: Congress’ Bilkis Bano

BENGALURU: Congress leader Bilkis Bano on Saturday said that a possible ministerial berth in the Karnataka cabinet for Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra is a matter for the party high command to decide.

Responding to questions on reports of Siddaramaiah’s son’s induction into the cabinet, Bano said, “I don’t know; that is left up to the high command. There is a demand from the youth, also. If the party takes a decision, he will also become a cabinet minister.”

She further asserted that party workers will abide by the high command’s decision. “Party workers and the party will always obey the high command’s decision. A CLP meeting has been called at 4 pm today. General secretaries are attending the meeting; they will convey the message of the high command, and a decision will be taken”, Bano said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: On reports that Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra is set to be a minister in Karnataka, Congress leader Bilkis Bano says, “I don’t know, that is left up to the high command. There is a demand from youth also. If party takes a decision, he will also… pic.twitter.com/cLCCVKSupm

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2026

Her comments come after Yathindra was seen leaving his Bengaluru residence on Saturday amid reports that he may be inducted into the new cabinet to be formed under a new Chief Minister.

On the question of the Deputy Chief Minister’s post amid ongoing leadership discussions in Karnataka, she reiterated that the final call rests with the central leadership. “The decision will be taken by the high command. There is a demand from all over Karnataka; the backwards classes are also demanding, and minorities are also demanding. So, the party will make a decision,” she added.

On Friday, Shivakumar said the CLP gathering would be held in the presence of party observers, who will consult the Congress high command before a final decision is taken. On the question of leadership transition and his possible elevation as Chief Minister, Shivakumar said the decision would follow the election of the CLP leader. “I still do not know when they will elect the leader of the Congress Legislature Party. Then we will discuss,” he said.

The developments come amid heightened political activity within the Karnataka Congress after Siddaramaiah stepped down on May 28, saying his resignation was voluntary and based on the suggestion of the party high command.

Shivakumar had earlier met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, amid ongoing discussions over legislative leadership, Rajya Sabha nominations and organisational appointments in the state. (ANI)