‘What’s wrong if Yathindra meets Rahul Gandhi?’ Priyank Kharge amidst Karnataka cabinet reshuffle buzz

BENGALURU: Congress leader Priyank Kharge on Saturday dismissed speculation surrounding Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra Siddaramaiah meeting senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, saying it is common for party leaders and workers to meet the party’s central leadership.

Speaking to reporters, Priyank Kharge said there was nothing unusual about the meeting and reiterated that he had no demands as the Karnataka cabinet is set to be reconstituted. Priyank Kharge said he will abide by any decision taken by the party leadership regarding government formation and cabinet expansion.

“What is wrong if Dr Yathindra meets Mr Rahul Gandhi? It is a common practice for party leaders and workers to meet the party high command. I have no demands. We will respect whatever decision is taken by the party high command and leadership,” Priyank Kharge said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: On Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, accompanying him to meet Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Priyank Kharge says, “So, what is wrong if Dr Yathindra meets Mr Gandhi?”

“I have no demands,” he says. pic.twitter.com/1e0l2kEvqS

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2026

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Bilkis Bano said 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.”

“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 added.

Siddaramaiah, along with his son Yathindra and Priyank Kharge, met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday. Siddaramaiah resigned as Chief Minister on Wednesday and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is likely to be his successor.

Shivakumar called on Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and apprised him about the upcoming Congress Parliamentary Party meeting set to take place later in the day. (ANI)