Congress Leadership Tussle Intensifies as MLA Claims Majority Back DK Shivakumar for CM Post

Ramanagar, Feb 2026 : The simmering leadership tussle within the Karnataka Congress intensified on Thursday after party MLA Iqbal Hussain claimed that a large majority of legislators want Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to take over as Chief Minister. His remarks have added fresh fuel to ongoing speculation about a possible change in leadership in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Ramanagar, Hussain, considered a close loyalist of Shivakumar, said that nearly 80 to 90 Congress MLAs believe the Deputy Chief Minister deserves the top post in recognition of his sustained struggle and hard work for the party. He argued that such a change would not only strengthen governance but also better position the Congress ahead of upcoming elections.

“It is good in terms of governance and also important in view of the forthcoming elections. Against this backdrop, we are demanding the Chief Minister’s post for Shivakumar,” Hussain said. He added that discussions on leadership change are gaining momentum within the party. “All 140 MLAs are hoping for a change, and around 80 to 90 MLAs are actively discussing this issue. We are all supporting Shivakumar,” he asserted.

At the same time, Hussain attempted to downplay open factionalism, saying that it was unclear who exactly aligned with which camp. “I do not know who is identifying with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and likewise, we do not know who is identifying with Shivakumar,” he remarked.

Amid these developments, sources said the Congress high command has taken serious note of a recent foreign tour undertaken by a group of Congress MLAs believed to be close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The party’s Karnataka in-charge and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala has reportedly sought detailed information about the trip, including the names of the MLAs involved.

According to sources, the foreign visit was organised to defuse speculation around the leadership issue and to consolidate support within the party. They further noted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah began budget preparatory meetings much earlier than usual, immediately after the special Assembly session, in what is being seen as a move to assert administrative control amid growing political uncertainty.

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, however, remained absent from at least one meeting related to his portfolios. He later clarified that he had taken prior permission for his absence, dismissing any suggestion of discord on administrative matters.

Surjewala is said to have sought clarification on the purpose of the foreign tour, whether the participating MLAs were aligned with any particular faction, and whether the visit had political objectives. The scrutiny underscores the high command’s concern over internal developments in the Karnataka unit.

State Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh confirmed that some leaders had invited him to join the foreign trip, but he declined. He also clarified that the visit was not organised by his department, distancing himself from the controversy.

Responding to questions about legislators travelling abroad, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that MLAs and MLCs were undertaking foreign trips at their own expense, seeking to minimise the political significance of the issue.

Meanwhile, hinting at a possible leadership change, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, said he had met senior leaders at 10 Janpath in New Delhi, the residence of Sonia Gandhi. “Time will give the answer,” he said, adding to the speculation.

When asked whether he had met Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shivakumar declined to divulge details. “There is no necessity for me to disclose whom I met and why. We have met our national leadership and discussed everything that needed to be discussed,” he said, indicating that crucial decisions may now rest with the party high command.