Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 12 (NationPress) Despite multiple requests from the party leadership urging members not to comment on the current leadership dispute in Karnataka, Congress leaders have persisted in voicing their opinions.

Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain from Ramanagara, a dedicated ally of Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, stated on Friday that the dedication and efforts Deputy CM Shivakumar has invested in the Congress will bear fruit.

In a media briefing in Belagavi, MLA Hussain noted that this outcome would likely materialize soon after the conclusion of the Assembly session.

His comments have taken on added weight amidst swirling rumors of a potential leadership change within the ruling Congress government following the Winter Assembly session.

In response to assertions from the Siddaramaiah faction that Shivakumar lacks MLA support, Iqbal Hussain asserted, "The totals are insignificant; what truly matters is the guidance from the Congress High Command. Approximately 50–60 Congress MLAs gathered for a dinner. Should Shivakumar extend an invitation, all 224 MLAs would attend. Everyone is close to him, and they are all his friends. The High Command's decision must be honored by all."

Another MLA, Ramesh Bandi Siddegowda, representing the Srirangapattana constituency in Mandya district, remarked: "The friends from Belagavi invited them for dinner, and they attended. The leadership decision rests with the High Command, and this isn't about numbers," he added, questioning whether attending a dinner should be deemed inappropriate.

Yeshwanthpur BJP MLA S.T. Somashekar, who has publicly supported Shivakumar as his "godfather," commented: "Why should D.K. Shivakumar not be the Chief Minister? Has he not contributed to the party? Has he not toiled? He is merely asking for what he rightfully deserves. The Congress High Command will make a decision post-session."

Meanwhile, Congress MLA from Magadi, H.C. Balakrishna, directly criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, claiming he lacks even basic common sense.

In response to Yathindra's assertion that the Congress High Command has made it clear there will be no leadership change in Karnataka and that it has turned down Shivakumar's request, Balakrishna expressed dissatisfaction over the notice he received for discussing the leadership issue, indicating that there appear to be different standards for senior and junior party leaders.

Addressing rampant speculation regarding a dinner meeting organized to showcase his strength against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President Shivakumar stated, "I am not showcasing any power, nor do I require to."

The Deputy CM emphasized, "No one needs to rally behind me, and no one should speak on my behalf. I, along with the Chief Minister, and all 140 MLAs, belong to the same faction -- the Congress faction. There should be no room for any division."