Karnataka Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain on Sunday asserted that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar could soon ascend to the Chief Minister’s position, suggesting a decision may come within the next two to three months. Hussain, seen as a close confidant of Shivakumar, made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Ramanagara, reigniting speculation about a possible leadership transition in the state.
“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,” Hussain stated when asked if Shivakumar had a chance to become Chief Minister, according to a PTI report.
Hussain added, “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.”
Hussain also pointed to recent comments by Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, who hinted at “revolutionary” political changes in Karnataka post-September, saying, “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.”
Pressed further, he reiterated, “That’s what I’m saying. I’m not beating around the bush; I’m speaking directly.”
When asked about Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s dismissal of CM change rumours, Hussain reminded reporters that it was the Congress high command—Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge—that had decided the government formation after the 2023 Assembly elections. “Everyone knows that. They will take the next decision too—we’ll have to wait and watch,” he said.
Notably, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence, news agency ANI reported.
#WATCH | Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence.
(Source: DK Shivakumar Office) pic.twitter.com/gYR4IdWbjn
— ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2025
Surjewala to Hold One-on-One Meetings with MLAs
Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, is set to meet individually with party MLAs on Monday amid rising signs of discontent among legislators. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar confirmed Surjewala’s planned visit, stating, “Yes, he is coming… There will definitely be meetings. He (Surjewala) has directly informed everyone. I’ve also received the programme and I’m informing all our MLAs.”
The meetings come in the wake of public grievances aired by Aland MLA B R Patil, who alleged bribery in public housing allotments, and Kagwad MLA Raju Kage, who hinted at resignation due to administrative delays and alleged governance failures. These statements have embarrassed the ruling Congress, with opposition BJP and JD(S) leaders accusing the government of corruption and demanding resignations from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan.
According to reports, Siddaramaiah met both disgruntled MLAs last week after returning from New Delhi and assured them that their issues would be resolved.
Karnataka Cabinet Reshuffle Speculation Grows
As the Congress government in Karnataka nears its two-year mark, pressure is reportedly mounting within the party for a cabinet reshuffle and potential changes in leadership positions, including that of the state Congress president. Party sources told PTI that the Congress high command has tasked Siddaramaiah with addressing MLAs’ concerns, taking them into confidence, and discouraging public criticism of the government.
Speculation around a change in leadership within Karnataka’s ruling Congress has lingered for months, stemming from an alleged power-sharing deal between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar. According to PTI, such discussions had quieted down after firm instructions from the party high command.
Following the Congress’s victory in the May 2023 Assembly elections, there was intense competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the Chief Minister’s post. Ultimately, the Congress persuaded Shivakumar to take the Deputy CM role. Reports from that period indicated a possible rotational arrangement under which Shivakumar would succeed Siddaramaiah after two-and-a-half years, although this was never formally announced.
Shivakumar, for his part, has consistently made clear his aspiration to become Chief Minister.
His confidant Iqbal Hussain also responded to Rajanna’s remarks about potential “revolutionary” changes, clarifying, “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.”
He added, “There is an expectation for change, but it cannot be called a revolution,” asserting the Congress government’s stability with a clear majority.
