Ramanagar, Feb 12 (NationPress) In the midst of a leadership struggle in Karnataka, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain stated on Thursday that approximately 80 to 90 MLAs from the historic party are advocating for Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar to ascend to the position of Chief Minister.

Hussain, a supporter of Shivakumar, emphasized that numerous legislators feel the former should be honored with the Chief Minister's role due to his dedication and efforts.

Addressing the media in Ramanagar, Hussain noted, "This is beneficial for governance and crucial considering the forthcoming elections. In this regard, we advocate for Shivakumar to take the Chief Minister's position. That’s my understanding. I am unaware of who supports Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Similarly, we lack insight into who backs Shivakumar."

"All 140 MLAs are aspiring for a transformation, and around 80 to 90 MLAs are actively engaging in discussions about a potential leadership shift. We are all rallying behind Shivakumar," he remarked.

In the meantime, reports indicate that Congress leadership is closely monitoring the overseas trip taken by certain MLAs who are believed to be aligned with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The party's Karnataka in-charge and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala has purportedly requested the identities of the MLAs involved in the journey.

Sources have revealed that the foreign trip was organized to mitigate the leadership speculation within the state. Additionally, they mentioned that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah initiated budget preparatory meetings significantly earlier, right after the special session, in this context. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar was absent from a meeting concerning his departments, asserting he had obtained prior consent.

Surjewala has sought clarification on the purpose of the foreign trip, whether the MLAs are aligned with any specific faction, and if the trip had political motives.

State Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh stated that several leaders had invited him to join the foreign trip, but he declined. He clarified that the trip was not orchestrated by his ministry.

Responding to inquiries regarding the overseas travels of legislators, Siddaramaiah remarked that the MLAs and MLCs are traveling abroad at their own expense.

Meanwhile, hinting at a potential leadership transition in Karnataka, Shivakumar, the State Congress President, mentioned that he had conferred with leaders at 10 Janpath in New Delhi, the residence of Sonia Gandhi, adding that "time will provide the answer".

After visiting Sonia Gandhi's residence, when asked if he had met Priyanka Gandhi Vadra or Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar responded, "I have come to 10 Janpath. There’s no need for me to disclose whom I met or why. I am not inclined to engage in politics on the streets. We have met with our national leadership and discussed everything necessary. That’s all."