Karnataka Congress MLAs Push for DK Shivakumar's Elevation to Chief Minister Amid Leadership Speculation

Last week, approximately 10 MLAs met with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Bengaluru:

Several Karnataka Congress legislators who traveled to New Delhi to advocate for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's promotion to Chief Minister stated on Tuesday that the party leadership will make the final decision on this matter.

Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain, while affirming that everyone would respect the high command's decision, expressed strong confidence in Shivakumar's eventual elevation.

"I consistently maintain that position... 200 percent, he will become the CM soon. The high command will decide. As our leader (Shivakumar) mentioned, the transfer of power is a confidential arrangement among five to six party leaders, and those individuals will make the determination," he stated.

Maddur MLA KM Uday reported that legislators also requested the high command to provide opportunities to new faces and younger members during the upcoming cabinet reshuffle and received positive indications that this would be taken into consideration.

Regarding the call for Shivakumar to assume the Chief Minister position, he indicated that the party leadership would make this decision, and everyone would comply with it.

While certain MLAs revealed they had urged the high command to resolve the uncertainty surrounding the Chief Minister position promptly, others mentioned they had also sought opportunities for younger politicians or fresh candidates during the proposed cabinet reorganization.

The internal power dynamics within the ruling party have intensified amid rumors of a potential leadership change, following the Congress government's completion of half its five-year term on November 20. Reports suggest an alleged power-sharing agreement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy Shivakumar established in 2023.

Party sources indicated that a group of six legislators supporting Shivakumar had journeyed to Delhi on Sunday night to meet with the high command, with additional representatives expected to follow.

Last week, approximately 10 MLAs also met with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Magadi MLA H C Balakrishna stated that while the decision regarding the next Chief Minister rests with the high command, he urged them to address the ongoing uncertainty.

"We went to discuss with the high command to resolve the confusion because a definitive decision is necessary. The identity of the Chief Minister is less important; the current situation is harmful to the Congress party. The high command should intervene and conclude this matter," he explained, without confirming whether Shivakumar would be appointed Chief Minister or if this topic was discussed with leadership.

Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain, while affirming that everyone would respect the high command's decision, expressed strong confidence in Shivakumar's eventual elevation.

"I consistently maintain that position... 200 percent, he will become the Chief Minister soon. The high command will decide. As our leader (Shivakumar) mentioned, the transfer of power is a confidential arrangement among five to six party leaders, and those individuals will make the determination," he added.

Maddur MLA K M Uday reported that legislators also requested the high command to provide opportunities to new faces and younger members during the cabinet reshuffle and received positive indications that this would be considered.

Regarding the call for Shivakumar to assume the Chief Minister position, he indicated that the party leadership would make this decision, and everyone would comply with it.

Several senior MLAs urged the high command to resolve the confusion regarding leadership change, and Uday mentioned that a decision is anticipated soon.

Earlier, responding to reports that legislators supporting him had traveled to Delhi to advocate for his elevation to Chief Minister, Shivakumar stated he was unaware of such efforts and suggested they might be pursuing ministerial positions. "I have not contacted or communicated with any of them. I am not questioning their motives for going. I don't need to," he remarked.