MB Patil says CM post not vacant, Satish Jarakiholi eligible

Bengaluru: Minister M.B. Patil clarified today that while Satish Jarakiholi has all qualifications to become Chief Minister, the CM post is currently not vacant. Speaking in Bengaluru, he emphasized that any interpretation of statements made by Yatindra regarding Jarakiholi should be viewed carefully.

Patil said, “At present, the CM chair is occupied. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may be completing his final term, and his leadership remains necessary. Elections cannot be held without him. If Yatindra had gone to Tumakuru or Vijayapura, he would have made remarks about other leaders. Let’s not distort facts. Satish Jarakiholi is a senior leader. D.K. Shivakumar, M.B. Patil, Satish — the final decision rests with the high command.”

He stressed that public opinion is crucial: “One cannot declare oneself CM. Legislators must express their choice, then the public will respond, and the high command will take the final decision. Many leaders are eligible for the CM post, including D.K. Shivakumar, G. Parameshwar, Ramalingareddy, Krishna Byre Gowda, and Satish Jarakiholi, but the decision lies with the high command.”

On cabinet reshuffle matters, Patil said, “The high command here in Sadashivanagar will decide. Portfolio allocation is a prerogative of the CM. We can express our wishes, but the CM alone decides.”

Regarding the recent Kiran Mazumdar meeting, he added that the entrepreneur raised concerns about road potholes. “We have started work worth ₹1,000 crore to repair roads and fill potholes,” Patil said.

Yatindra’s earlier statement in Kappalaguddi, Belagavi district, had sparked political debate. He had remarked that Siddaramaiah is at the final stage of his political career and may not contest the 2028 elections. Yatindra suggested that senior Congress leaders should allow Satish Jarakiholi to take the lead, saying, “Excluding Siddaramaiah, Jarakiholi has the capability to fill the leadership vacuum.”

Patil urged caution in interpreting such remarks, emphasizing that the party’s organizational decisions will be guided by the high command while respecting senior leaders’ contributions and public sentiment.

This clarification comes amid speculation over leadership succession in Karnataka, with Satish Jarakiholi emerging as a prominent contender for top state leadership roles.

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