Karnataka Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain on Sunday said that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar can be given a chance to become the state's Chief Minister within the next two to three months. These are comments from a legislator who is known to be close to Shivakumar amidst fresh speculation of a leadership change in Karnataka towards the end of this year.
The buzz returned after Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna's recent revelation of "revolutionary" political changes in the state after September.
You all know what was the strength of ours (Congress) prior to this government's takeover. Everybody knows who took the struggle, sweat, effort and interest for this victory. His (Shivakumar's) programme and strategy are history now, Hussain informed mediapersons at Ramanagara, when asked if Shivakumar stood any hope of becoming CM.
"I do not believe in speculation. We are fully confident that the higher command is in the loop and will take a right decision at the right moment to provide him an opportunity," he said.
When asked whether Shivakumar, the state Congress president, would be CM this year, Hussain responded, "Yes, I'm saying it. The date some leaders are indicating for revolutionary political developments after September— this is what they are speaking of. A decision will be taken within two to three months." Asked to clarify further, he repeated, "That's what I'm saying. I'm not beating around the bush; I'm speaking openly." Asked whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah rubbishing the CM change as rumours, Hussain noted that the Congress high command had concluded 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.
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Speculation regarding a change of guard in the Congress-led ruling party has been going on for quite some time, tied to a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. This chatter had subsided following stern orders from the party's top command.
Following the Congress victory in the Assembly polls in May 2023, there was a tough fight between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah for the CM position.
The Congress persuaded Shivakumar to take up the Deputy CM position.
It has been learnt that in response to Rajanna's suggestions of "revolutionary" changes in politics, Hussain stated that giving way to a worthy individual cannot be described as a revolution.
"What is revolution? There are changes in politics. When the moment arises, the high command would take a decision as to who will be entrusted with the job. A proper person, who could give good administration in the situation of the present, will be given the chance and will perform the task. There is a hope for change, but it cannot be termed as a revolution," he added.
Pointing out that the government is already in power, Hussain asserted, "If a different party was toppling this government, that would be a revolution. But nothing of that sort is going on— the government is stable and has a clear majority." Refuting Rajanna's assertions regarding numerous power centres within the Congress, Hussain refuted them, stating, "There is only one power centre— the party high command." "There is discipline and commitment in the Congress, and everyone adheres to it. People from various communities have worked for the party, and they have sacrificed and fought for it. There is a desire for change in today's situation, and that will occur— but it cannot be called a revolution," he asserted.
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