I am not only my father’s nominee but also voice of the community in cabinet: Yathindra

Bengaluru: From being a political recluse in 2016 to becoming a cabinet minister and torchbearer of his father, former chief minister Siddaramaiah's legacy, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, 45, has come a long way in a short time.While Yathindra believes it is hard to walk out of his father's shadow, he says he can and will carve out a political image of his own.Excerpts from his interview with TOI:As a first-time minister…I must hit the ground running as only one and a half years are left, with the last six months lost in preparation for the 2028 elections. I need to fast-track projects and get them completed on time in the urban development department.But as only one-time MLA and one-time MLC, people questioned your induction…Every cabinet has a mix of the old and new faces. In my case, the high command decided to induct me just before my father stepped down. The rest of the new faces will arrive with cabinet expansion.So are you the nominee of your father or representative of the Kuruba community?Both. With him stepping down, the high command believed that giving his son the ministerial berth would help pacify the community which was dismayed with Siddaramaiah being asked to vacate his post. Also, the community needs higher representation.But emerging out of your father's shadow will be a challenge…He is a once in a generation leader. I will not even attempt to step into his shoes. But if I remain true to my ideology and remain committed in my approach then I shall be able to carve out my own identity. I intend to have a long career in politics.Will you provide continuity to the AHINDA leadership?The movement is bigger than any leader. While my father will continue to be the face of the movement, newer faces, not just me, with commitment in the ideology will join. You are also the house leader in the legislative council…It is in fact a bigger challenge than that of handling a department. But as house leader you need to tackle the opposition and respond to peoples' representatives. But with experience that too can be managed.You are the UDD minister under whom Muda features, now MDA. Will the alleged controversy involving your parents put you in conflict of position…No, I do not believe so. Although there has been an appeal filed in the higher courts, the peoples' representatives court has already accepted the B report filed by the investigating agencies. So, my parents have been given a clean chit. Your preliminary assessment of the department…A lot of the smaller cities and towns do not have a masterplan. People are forced to approach the department for every work related to land use and change in land use. Also, the CM announced the B to A khata extension to the entire state that needs seamless transition. We will be digitising land records across the towns and cities. As UDD minister, your thoughts on the likes of Bidadi townships…In general I do believe that they are necessary to decongest cities. At the same time, farmers' voices need to be heard and cannot be pushed into parting with their land. A compromise on the compensation must be identified so that it is a win-win situation for all.