Congress Leadership Row in Karnataka Intensifies as MLA Claims D.K. Shivakumar Will Become CM in January

Ramanagara, Dec 2025 : Amid ongoing speculation and internal tensions within the Congress government in Karnataka, party MLA from Ramanagara, Iqbal Hussain, on Monday reignited the leadership debate by reiterating his claim that Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar would assume the office of Chief Minister early next year.

Speaking to reporters in Ramanagara, Hussain categorically stated that Shivakumar would take over as Chief Minister on either January 6 or January 9, 2026. “He will surely become the Chief Minister — 200 per cent,” the Congress legislator asserted, leaving little room for ambiguity.

Hussain, known to be a staunch supporter of Shivakumar, clarified that his statement was not based on personal opinion or political speculation. “I am not saying this on my own. This has been said by ‘sharanaru’ (sages). Believing them, I am making this statement. I stand by what I have said,” he said.

Elaborating further, the MLA claimed that there are individuals with the ability to foresee future events. “There are sages who can predict what will happen. There are people who accurately predict rains and even tragedies. I have taken information from such people. I am only repeating what they have told me,” Hussain said, adding that Shivakumar would take charge as Chief Minister on the specified dates.

Despite growing denials and cautionary remarks from senior Congress leaders, Hussain remained firm. “Let us see what happens. I still have confidence. He will get power, 200 per cent. Shivakumar is our leader. He is under pressure and therefore says that nothing is happening. But we are not ready to remain silent. There is no question of backtracking. I stand by my words,” he said.

The MLA also referred to Shivakumar’s earlier remarks about a “pact” within the party. “Our leader has spoken about an understanding. If there was no such pact, he would not have spoken about an agreement involving the Chief Minister, himself and the High Command,” Hussain added, hinting at a power-sharing arrangement within the Congress leadership.

Meanwhile, countering these claims, Karnataka Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, a close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, came out strongly in support of the incumbent Chief Minister. Speaking in Vijayanagar, Suresh said that if there is an honest Chief Minister anywhere in the country, it is Siddaramaiah.

“He has presented 16 budgets and has served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka for two terms. Many people are jealous of this success and are shedding tears out of jealousy. We must forgive those who are jealous and consider them as our own,” Suresh remarked.

Highlighting Siddaramaiah’s long political career, the Minister said, “Siddaramaiah has been a Minister since 1984. Despite holding such high positions, if there is a truly honest Chief Minister in the country, it is Siddaramaiah. Forgiving jealousy and living together is the rule.”

The sharp contrast in statements from within the Congress is expected to fuel political controversy in the state. According to party sources, the renewed assertions by Shivakumar’s supporters come at a time when leaders aligned with Siddaramaiah are preparing to hold an “Ahinda Convention” in Mysuru.

The convention, led by Ahinda leaders, is aimed at urging the Congress high command not to disturb Siddaramaiah’s leadership. They have also warned that any attempt to remove or weaken the Chief Minister could result in the party losing its traditional Ahinda vote bank, a key support base comprising minorities, backward classes and Dalits.

As the leadership row continues to simmer, the Congress high command faces mounting pressure to manage internal differences and prevent further public discord within the Karnataka unit.