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A Congress MLA’s claim about a January 6 leadership change has reignited speculation over an ongoing power tussle in Karnataka.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar. (Image: File)
Fresh claims by a Congress MLA have added fuel to ongoing rumours of a leadership change in Karnataka. Ramanagara MLA H A Iqbal Hussain said on Saturday, December 14, that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is likely to take over as chief minister on January 6, replacing Siddaramaiah. His remarks have once again brought the Congress power tussle into sharp focus.
Speaking to reporters, Hussain said there was a “99 per cent chance” that Shivakumar would assume the top post early next year. He argued that the deputy chief minister should be given a chance to lead the state. Hussain also said January 6 or January 9 were being widely discussed, though he admitted there was no clear reason behind the dates. A day earlier too, he had openly voiced support for Shivakumar, making his stand clear within the party.
BJP backs G Parameshwara
The debate took a political turn after BJP MP and Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna expressed support for Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara as a future chief minister. Addressing a programme in Tumakuru, Somanna said leadership was a matter of luck and public wish. He said people in Tumakuru wanted Parameshwara to lead the state.
Asked about Shivakumar, Somanna played down his prospects, saying ambition depended on luck and conduct mattered more than power. His comments, though from the opposition, added to the wider discussion around leadership in Karnataka.
Congress meet in Delhi
Amid these statements, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar are expected to meet Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Delhi on December 14. Sources said the meeting would take place after the party’s mega rally at Ramlila Maidan, held as part of its ‘Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod’ campaign.
The meeting is being seen as crucial, as tensions over leadership have grown within the party.
The Congress currently enjoys a comfortable majority, with nearly 140 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly. Speculation about a possible leadership change gained pace after the government completed half of its five-year term on November 20.
There have been reports of a possible agreement to split the chief minister’s tenure equally between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. While neither the party nor the leaders have confirmed this, Shivakumar recently hinted at a “secret deal” without giving details.
So far, no open confrontation has emerged, with both leaders maintaining public restraint despite growing political buzz.
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December 14, 2025, 07:51 IST
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