Mandya (Karnataka), Oct 1 (NationPress) Tensions within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka have flared up again as senior leader and former MP L.R. Shivarame Gowda made a bold claim regarding a leadership shift. He asserted that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is expected to take over as Chief Minister by November, stirring up discussions about a potential mid-term change in leadership.

While indirectly commenting on the ousting of Minister K.N. Rajanna, Gowda told reporters in Nagamangala, "Those who promised a transformation last November have disappeared. There’s no doubt that Dy CM Shivakumar will eventually rise to the position of CM, but the ultimate decision lies with the high command. They are adept at managing the dynamics between the CM and Dy CM. Ultimately, diligent efforts yield results."

When questioned about the likelihood of Shivakumar stepping into the CM role soon, Gowda expressed hope that the high command would resolve any uncertainties surrounding the matter by November.

“There is a widespread belief here that Shivakumar is destined for the Chief Minister role. This conviction is particularly strong among those from the Old Mysuru region. Discussions about a power-sharing deal, where CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar might each serve for 2.5 years, are also taking place,” he added.

“We have credible information suggesting that Shivakumar will ascend to the CM position in November, and we hope to see this come to fruition. There should be no doubt about it,” he stated.

When asked about the implications if Shivakumar does not become CM, Gowda replied, “November is still approaching, so it’s premature to speculate. There is no doubt about the information indicating that Shivakumar will become CM. We genuinely wish to see him in that capacity.”

Recently, Karnataka's Minister for Housing and Waqf, B.Z. Zameer Ahmad, asserted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is committed to serving a full five-year term, hinting at an imminent cabinet reshuffle.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified on Tuesday that he was unaware of any arrangement involving a 2.5-year term.

“Neither Chief Minister Siddaramaiah nor state Congress President and Dy CM Shivakumar has communicated anything about such an understanding. I have no knowledge of any internal agreement between them,” he remarked.

Following a setback in the Congress party due to the singing of the RSS anthem in the Assembly, Shivakumar is reportedly attempting to assert his influence through his supporters, as per sources.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah is sending a strong message to Shivakumar by inspecting Bengaluru’s roads and imposing deadlines after receiving criticism from IT industry leaders. The Bengaluru Development portfolio is currently under Shivakumar's purview.