Bengaluru, Dec 13 (NationPress) In the midst of a leadership battle in Karnataka, Congress MLA from Ramanagara, Iqbal Hussain, a close confidant of Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, has asserted that DKS is set to take over as Chief Minister on January 6, 2026.

This declaration has stirred discussions in the political arena of the state and among the ruling Congress party members.

During a press interaction in Ramanagara on Saturday, Iqbal Hussain stated: “The Chief Minister's office should transition to Deputy CM Shivakumar. He deserves this chance. The high command is positively considering this request. I am 99 percent certain that Shivakumar will become the Chief Minister on January 6.”

“January 6 and January 9 are auspicious dates for D.K. Shivakumar. We have 140 MLAs, and the numbers do not define our strength. The Congress is a disciplined party, and we are aligned with the high command's decisions,” he emphasized.

“There are no factions within the Congress party. Both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar are valuable assets to the Congress. Our request is that Shivakumar should benefit from his hard work and dedication,” Iqbal Hussain declared.

“I will participate in the ‘Vote Chori’ protest in Delhi on Sunday (December 14) under Shivakumar’s leadership. We are not meeting any high command leaders in Delhi; we have shared our request with the high command and are hopeful for a positive response soon,” he added.

In response to comments made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra, suggesting that the high command rejected Shivakumar’s request and that his father would complete his term, Iqbal Hussain remarked, “Let anyone voice an opinion. The people of the state and the MLAs from this region have requested an opportunity for Shivakumar. It is confirmed that he will become the Chief Minister.”

Despite repeated warnings from party leadership to avoid discussing the ongoing leadership dilemma in Karnataka, Congress leaders continue to make remarks on the subject.

Iqbal Hussain, a firm supporter of Shivakumar, mentioned recently that the Deputy CM's efforts for the Congress will soon bear fruit.

In remarks made to the media in Belagavi, MLA Hussain added that this change could happen right after the Assembly session concludes.

His comments have gained importance amid speculation about a potential leadership shift within the ruling Congress government following the Winter session of the Assembly.

Addressing claims from the Siddaramaiah faction that Shivakumar lacks MLA support, Iqbal Hussain responded: “The numbers are irrelevant; what matters is the Congress High Command's directive. About 50–60 Congress MLAs gathered for a dinner. If Shivakumar invites, all 224 MLAs will join. Everyone is close to him; they are all his friends. The High Command's decision should be respected by all.”

When asked about rumors regarding a dinner meeting to showcase strength against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President Shivakumar stated, “I am not showcasing any strength, nor do I need to.”

Shivakumar also mentioned, “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, represent a single entity—the Congress group. We should avoid any division.”