K’taka CM’s Son Yathindra Siddaramaiah Is A Reluctant Politician

Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah 

(Photo: The Quint)

A doctor by profession, Yathindra Siddaramaiah was an unlikely entrant to politics. But after his brother’s death, Yathindra is Congress’ candidate for the Varuna constituency.

A self-confessed introvert and a public speaker, Yathindra says his transition from the doctor to a politician has been a tough one. But he has begun to enjoy it. In an interview to The Quint, Yathindra spoke about his new life as a politician.

You referred to yourself as a reluctant politician. Did your entry into politics come as a surprise to you?

Yeah, it was a surprise for me. When I entered politics after my elder brother’s death, I was not sure whether I will be able to handle the pressures of public life. But to my surprise, I adjusted to it pretty quickly.

Were you interested in politics?

I thought I wouldn’t be suitable for active politics, but I was always interested in political issues. I kept following what is happening in the country, what different parties are doing, what is happening in our state and how my father’s politics was working.

So, I was interested in political issues but not in active politics.

When did you know you are going to enter politics?

I took care of the constituency after my brother’s death. My only thought was that I will look after the constituency until the elections and I will go back to my profession thereafter. But gradually, I started adjusting to it and started enjoying it. By December 2016, many people started telling me that “you will be our future MLA”.

What sort of politics do you bring to Karnataka, as a newcomer?

I don’t know what novelty I can bring in, but I believe in the kind of politics my father is doing. Most of my political views are shaped by his ideology. I am a left-leaning person.

Being the son of the Chief Minister, was your entry to politics an easy one?

Definitely it was an easy one. My father is well-known politician and mass leader, and that definitely helped me a lot because people accepted me even before they knew me personally. So when I came in they received me with a lot of warmth and love.

What happens to your profession as a doctor now?

Since one-and-a-half hours, after I came to public life, I have practically stopped going to my lab. So, I have brought my medical profession to a halt.

Tell us little bit about your personal life and marriage plans

I am an introvert. I don’t have many friends. I have few friends. Most of my personal life revolves around my mother and brother’s family. My brother has two kids. And I have not thought about marriage yet. I think it will be easy if I remain a bachelor.

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