Bengaluru, Dec 13 — Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday dismissed Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain’s recent statements suggesting that he should take over the Chief Minister’s post. Shivakumar urged the public and party members not to take Hussain’s comments seriously, calling for legal action against him.
“No one should believe Iqbal Hussain’s words. He has a habit of talking too much. Legal action needs to be taken against him,” Shivakumar said, firmly distancing himself from Hussain’s claims.
Hussain had earlier asserted that Shivakumar deserved an opportunity to become Chief Minister, adding that the Congress high command was considering the possibility. He even suggested that January 6 or January 9 — dates he described as lucky for Shivakumar — could mark the leadership change. “We are 140 MLAs. Strength does not matter. Congress is a disciplined party,” Hussain said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintained that he would follow the high command’s decision, while another Congress MLA, Shivaganga Basavaraj, echoed support for Shivakumar, citing numerology and describing him as a “god-like figure.”
Despite repeated warnings from the Congress leadership to avoid public commentary on the sensitive leadership issue, factional statements continue to surface. Hussain, a vocal supporter of Shivakumar, reiterated that the Deputy CM’s hard work for the party would soon be rewarded, likely after the current Assembly session.
Countering claims from Siddaramaiah’s camp regarding lack of MLA support, Hussain insisted that the high command’s directive—not numbers—would determine the outcome.
Shivakumar, addressing rumours of a supposed show-of-strength dinner meeting, denied any such intention. “I am not displaying any strength, nor do I need to. No one should speak on my behalf,” he said, emphasising unity. “All 140 MLAs, including the Chief Minister and myself, belong to one group — the Congress group. Do not create room for groupism.”
