DK Shivakumar will become CM immediately after the session, says MLA Iqbal Hussain

Belagavi: A fresh political buzz stirred the winter session on Friday after Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain—considered a close confidant of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar—made a bold claim that Shivakumar would become the next Chief Minister “immediately after the ongoing session ends.”

Speaking to reporters, Iqbal Hussain said, “Just as it was written on my forehead that I would become an MLA, it is written on D.K. Shivakumar’s forehead that he will become the Chief Minister. Yesterday, 55 MLAs had gathered for dinner. It was simply a dinner, nothing political. But yes—we want DK Shivakumar to become CM, and he will.”

He further argued that Shivakumar’s long-standing contribution to the party and organisation would not go unrewarded. “DK Shivakumar has worked tirelessly for years. That effort will certainly bring him results.

Once the session ends, he will get his due. Numbers don’t matter; what the High Command decides is final. When the High Command gives direction, who will refuse to follow?” he asked.

Responding to speculation that the dinner meeting was part of a political mobilisation, the MLA dismissed it outright. “There were 50 to 60 MLAs at the dinner, but no political discussion took place.

If DK Shivakumar invites people to a dinner, even all 224 MLAs will come—irrespective of Congress, JD(S), or BJP. This is about respect, friendship, and trust. Everyone—from all parties—shares a personal rapport with Shivakumar,” he said.

He added that Congress functions with discipline and collective leadership. “Congress is a party of discipline. The leadership’s decision is final, and everyone follows it. So debates about numbers are irrelevant,” he said.

The comments have amplified speculation about leadership changes in the Karnataka government. Amid ongoing dinner meetings and internal party movements, discussions over whether the state might soon witness a switch in the Chief Minister’s chair have returned to the forefront of political circles.

Iqbal Hussain’s statement has added fresh fuel to the already intense debate over DK Shivakumar’s long-anticipated elevation, making the political climate in Belagavi even more charged during the winter session.

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