Karnataka Congress MLA Asserts DK Shivakumar Will Be CM by December

Amid growing speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, Congress MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga has boldly declared that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will take over as Chief Minister by December this year.

Speaking to PTI on Sunday, Shivaganga expressed unwavering confidence in Shivakumar’s leadership and even said he would sign the claim in blood if necessary.

“Write it down, it will happen by December. If needed, I can write and give it to you in blood—Shivakumar will become CM. Once he assumes office, he will lead for the remainder of this term and continue for the next five years, making it a total of 7.5 years in power,” he stated in Davangere.

Power-Sharing Speculation Resurfaces

Although Shivaganga did not explicitly confirm the existence of a power-sharing agreement, he emphasized Shivakumar’s contributions to the Congress, stating that his efforts were instrumental in boosting the party’s performance in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

“Shivakumar has made history—he built and strengthened the party, invested his resources, and sacrificed a lot. His silence or composure should not be mistaken for weakness. The high command knows his worth, and I am 100% certain he will take over as CM by December,” he added.

Shivakumar’s Long-Standing CM Ambitions

The Karnataka political landscape has been abuzz with rumors of a “rotational chief minister” model within the ruling Congress. Shivakumar, also the Karnataka Congress President, has long been seen as a top contender for the position and has openly expressed his aspirations.

Following the May 2023 Assembly elections, intense competition erupted between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over the CM post. The party eventually appointed Siddaramaiah as CM while convincing Shivakumar to settle for the Deputy CM role.

At the time, reports suggested a power-sharing arrangement in which Shivakumar would assume charge after 2.5 years, though the Congress leadership has never officially confirmed such an agreement.

parameshwara’s Rebuttal

In December 2024, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara dismissed any claims of a pre-decided rotational CM deal between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar before the formation of the Congress government. However, repeated assertions from party leaders like Shivaganga continue to fuel speculation of a potential leadership transition later this year.

With the Congress high command yet to issue a definitive statement, political observers are closely watching how the dynamics unfold in the coming months.