Shivakumar to be Karnataka CM? Congress MLA's big 2-3 months claim; hints at major government rejig

NEW DELHI: Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain on Sunday hinted at a leadership change in Karnataka, saying that D K Shivakumar can get the chief minister post within the next two or three months.

His remark came amid renewed speculation about a major political development in Karnataka soon.

Speculation reignites over rotational CM formula
Earlier, cooperation minister K N Rajanna hinted at "revolutionary" political developments after September.


When asked if Shivakumar had a chance to become CM, Hussain told reporters, "You all know what our (Congress's) strength was before this government came to power. Everyone knows who put in the struggle, sweat, effort and interest to achieve this victory. His (Shivakumar's) strategy and programmes are history now."

"I don't believe in speculation. We have full confidence that the high command is aware of the situation and will take an appropriate decision at the right time to give him an opportunity," he added.

He emphasised that the big decision will be made within two to three months, when asked if Shivakumar will get the position this year.

"Yes, I'm saying it. The date some leaders are hinting at for revolutionary political developments after September—this is what they are talking about. A decision will be made within two to three months," Hussain said.

"That's what I'm saying. I'm not beating around the bush; I’m speaking directly," he asserted.

High command holds the cards
When asked about Siddaramaiah's son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah brushing off the leadership change as mere speculation, Hussain said that Congress high command had decided on government formation after the 2023 assembly polls.

"We were all together in Delhi then. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge made the decision. Everyone knows that. They will take the next decision too—we'll have to wait and watch," he said.

Hussain also took the sting out of Rajanna's "revolution" comment, saying that allowing a deserving person cannot be called a revolution.

"What does revolution mean? Changes are common in politics. When the time comes, the high command will decide who should be given the responsibility. A suitable person, capable of providing good administration in today’s circumstances, will get the opportunity and do their duty. There is an expectation for change, but it cannot be called a revolution," he said.

No revolt, no split, just transition
Highlighting that Congress is in power in the state, he said, "if another party were overthrowing this government, that could be called a revolution. But nothing like that is happening—the government is strong and has a clear majority."

Hussain further dismissed Rajanna's claims about multiple power centres within the Congress, saying, "There is only one power centre—the party high command."

"There is discipline and commitment in the Congress, and everyone follows it. People from different communities have worked for the party, and they have sacrificed and fought for it. In today's situation, there is an expectation for change, and that change will happen—but it cannot be called a revolution," he claimed.