{
  "id": 1995237,
  "title": "Siddaramaiah's absences fuel next-move speculation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/siddaramaiahs-absences-fuel-next-move-speculation",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T18:21:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/siddaramaiahs-absences-fuel-speculation-over-next-move/articleshow/133357005.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bengaluru: A recent pattern has emerged with Congress member Siddaramaiah missing out on several key party gatherings, sparking speculation about his future involvement. This behavior follows his announcement last year that he would not contest the 2028 assembly elections, citing concerns about the impact of money in political campaigns. Despite this, Siddaramaiah has reaffirmed his intent to remain active in public life.\n\nOn August 3, Siddaramaiah was absent when new ministers were sworn into office at Lok Bhavan. Additionally, he failed to attend the opening day of the assembly session. On the second day of the session, he chose to appear, saying he had heard about the media reports of his absence and wished to quell any speculation. Siddaramaiah, representing the Varuna constituency in Mysuru district, has cultivated a robust political base comprising minorities, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Dalits. He continues to wield significant influence within the Congress party and among certain leaders in the DK Shivakumar cabinet.\n\nThe latest absence takes place amid reports suggesting Siddaramaiah was disappointed by his selection for a ministerial position. During the recent cabinet reshuffle, Byadagi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar was bypassed in favor of a female MLA. Shivakumar subsequently prohibited the woman MLA from taking her oath, an act perceived as an effort to pacify internal party dissent. In response, Siddaramaiah's choice for the ministerial role has not garnered universal approval.\n\nShivakumar has endeavored to maintain a harmonious relationship with Siddaramaiah, consulting him prior to significant decisions, including the cabinet expansion. To demonstrate this, Siddaramaiah's son-in-law Yathindra Siddaramaiah was added to the cabinet and awarded the prestigious position of Leader of the House in the Legislative Council, a role typically reserved for seasoned politicians. Siddaramaiah's decision not to run in 2028 is not unprecedented. He made a similar declaration after becoming chief minister in 2013 but later returned to electoral politics in 2018, contesting from Chamundeshwari and Badami. Despite facing defeat in Chamundeshwari, Siddaramaiah secured victory in Badami and subsequently ran for Varuna in 2023, winning the seat and securing a second term as CM.\n\nConsequently, Siddaramaiah's latest decision is met with caution, especially since his supporters are anticipated to push him to stay in electoral politics. Yathindra, who relinquished Varuna to allow his father to contest in 2023, is expected to pursue the seat in 2028, carrying on his father's political legacy. Until now, Siddaramaiah's frequent absences from significant events are expected to sustain speculation regarding whether he is simply reducing his public profile or gradually distancing himself from active electoral politics.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}