Ramanagara (Karnataka), Dec 29 (NationPress) Amidst the ongoing leadership controversy within the Congress government in Karnataka, party MLA Iqbal Hussain from Ramanagara has confirmed that Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar is expected to assume the role of Chief Minister on either January 6 or January 9 of the upcoming year.

"He will undoubtedly become the Chief Minister — 200 per cent," Hussain declared.

During a press interaction in Ramanagara, Iqbal Hussain, a devoted supporter of Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, stated, "I am not making this claim alone. This has been articulated by 'sharanaru' (sages). Trusting their insights, I am making this proclamation. I stand by my words."

Hussain further elaborated, "I am not asserting this based on my own judgment. There are sages known for their foresight, capable of predicting various events, including weather patterns and tragedies. I have gathered information from such individuals, and I am simply reiterating what they have conveyed to me. I firmly believe that Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar will take the reins as Chief Minister on January 6 or January 9, 2026."

"Let’s observe the unfolding events. I remain confident. He is destined for leadership, 200 per cent. Shivakumar is our leader, currently under pressure and claiming that nothing is progressing. We refuse to remain silent or retract our statements. I stand firm on my assertions," Hussain declared.

"Our leader, D.K. Shivakumar, has alluded to a 'pact'. If such an agreement did not exist, he would not have mentioned a pact involving the Chief Minister and the High Command," he added.

In the meantime, Karnataka Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, remarked in Vijayanagar that if there exists an honest Chief Minister in India, it is Siddaramaiah.

"He (Chief Minister Siddaramaiah) has presented 16 budgets and has served as Chief Minister for two terms. There are many envious of this success, shedding tears out of jealousy. We must forgive those who are envious, considering them our own," Minister Suresh noted.

"Siddaramaiah has been in public service since 1984. Even after holding significant positions, if there is a truly honest Chief Minister in the country, it is Siddaramaiah. After forgiving those who harbor jealousy, we must coexist with them—that is the way forward," the Minister added.

These remarks are poised to ignite controversy within the state.

Sources indicate that Deputy CM Shivakumar's statement comes as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's faction prepares for the "Ahinda Convention" in Mysuru, demanding the Congress high command to refrain from disrupting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's leadership.

Ahinda leaders have also cautioned that any efforts to undermine Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could jeopardize their traditional Ahinda vote bank.