Bengaluru, Feb 9 (NationPress) The ongoing turmoil within the Karnataka Congress is intensifying, as loyalist MLA Iqbal Hussain, aligned with Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, is openly urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to allow Shivakumar a chance at the top position.

"You advocate for equality and socialism; this is the moment to enact those ideals," MLA Iqbal Hussain stated.

While addressing reporters in Bengaluru on Monday, Hussain remarked, "What we seek is an opportunity for our leader. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, you frequently discuss socialism and equality, along with social justice. As a minor leader in the Congress party, I implore you to embody your principles in action."

He expressed that this sentiment resonates with numerous MLAs and is being communicated within party circles, emphasizing that unnecessary confusion should be avoided.

"We have requested an opportunity. Approximately 80 to 90 MLAs collectively have expressed the desire to see Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar as the Chief Minister in this term. Let us contest the forthcoming elections under the joint leadership of both Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah," Hussain conveyed.

He further noted, "We aim for the Congress-led government to regain power in the state. In this phase, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has held the CM post for 7.5 years. In your first tenure, you governed for five years, and this time you have effectively completed 2.5 years. Your governance has been commendable."

Simultaneously, senior Congress MLA and another Shivakumar supporter, H.C. Balakrishna, referenced comments made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra, suggesting that his father would serve as Chief Minister for the full term. Balakrishna asserted that such statements would not hinder potential leadership shifts if they are destined to occur.

"Just because Yathindra made a statement, it won't prevent changes that may be necessary. When a decision is reached, the issue will be resolved," Balakrishna stated.

He urged Yathindra to avoid making contradictory statements that create confusion within the party.

"There should be repercussions for those issuing statements on leadership matters. The high command must step in and resolve this issue. With local body elections on the horizon, constituents are questioning the leadership transition," he added.

Balakrishna called for the party high command to deliver a clear message and instruct party leaders to adhere to its decisions.

"Yathindra is an MLC and a senior politician. He should be more mindful of his words. The party is facing embarrassment, and I urge leaders not to undermine it," he concluded.

In the meantime, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar is traveling to Delhi on Tuesday, a journey that has generated interest amidst the ongoing leadership dispute.

Shivakumar's official visit to Delhi is for a meeting chaired by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra concerning the Assam Assembly elections, where he has been appointed as a senior AICC observer.

Nevertheless, sources indicate that Shivakumar's decision to bypass the budget preparation meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and prioritize the Delhi meeting signifies his dissatisfaction regarding Siddaramaiah presenting the budget and his belief that he should have been granted the opportunity to assume the Chief Minister role.