Bengaluru, Dec 13 – Amid the power struggle in Karnataka, Iqbal Hussain, the Ramanagara MLA and a loyal aide of Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, asserted that the latter will take office as Chief Minister on 6 January 2026. The claim has stirred up reactions both inside the state’s political arena and within the ruling Congress.
Speaking to reporters in Ramanagara on Saturday, Hussain said: “The post of Chief Minister should be handed over to Deputy CM Shivakumar. He must be given an opportunity. The high command is responding to this demand. There are chances of Shivakumar becoming the Chief Minister on January 6. I am 99 per cent sure about this.” He added, “January 6 and January 9 are lucky numbers for D.K. Shivakumar. We are 140 MLAs, and it does not matter who has the numbers in terms of strength. The Congress is a disciplined party, and we are committed to the decision of the high command.”
Hussain emphasized that there are no factions within the party, calling both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar “assets to the Congress” and insisting that Shivakumar should be rewarded for his hard work. He also revealed plans to join the “Vote Chori” protest in Delhi on Sunday, Dec 14 under Shivakumar’s leadership, noting that “We are not meeting any high command leaders in Delhi. We have conveyed our plea to the high command and are confident that they will respond positively. They will take a decision soon.”
When addressed after Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, suggested that the high command had rejected Shivakumar’s request and that the chief minister would finish his term, Hussain replied, “Let anyone make any statement. The people of the state and MLAs from this region have sought an opportunity for Shivakumar. It is confirmed that Shivakumar will become the Chief Minister.”
Despite repeated pleas from the party leadership to remain silent on the ongoing leadership dispute, Congress figures continue to voice their comments. Hussain, an outspoken supporter of Shivakumar, maintained on Friday that the deputy chief minister’s diligent work will soon bear fruit. Speaking to the media in Belagavi, he also mentioned that the outcome would materialize after the Assembly session ends, amid rumours of a possible leadership shift within the governing Congress following the winter session.
When confronted with claims from the Siddaramaiah camp that Shivakumar lacks MLA support, Hussain replied, “The numbers do not matter; what matters is the directive of the Congress High Command. Around 50–60 Congress MLAs had gathered for a dinner. If Shivakumar invites, all 224 MLAs will attend. Everyone is close to him, and all are his friends. The High Command’s decision must be accepted by all.”
Shivakumar himself commented on the speculation that a dinner gathering was meant to showcase his strength against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, declaring, “I am not displaying any strength, nor do I need to.” He further emphasised, “No one needs to come behind me, and no one should speak on my behalf. I, including the Chief Minister, and all 140 MLAs belong to one group – the Congress group. Do not create room for any groupism.”
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