The simmering internal political conflict within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka has erupted again, with a loyalist of Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar making an audacious public prediction about the state’s leadership change.
H. A. Iqbal Hussain, the Congress MLA from Ramanagara, claimed on Saturday that D. K. Shivakumar will take over as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on January 6, 2026.
The ‘99 Per Cent’ Prediction
Speaking to reporters in Ramanagara, Hussain was emphatic in his statement, arguing that the CM post should be vacated to give Shivakumar an opportunity to lead the state.
"There is a 99 per cent chance that he becomes Chief Minister on January 6," Hussain, a known supporter of the Deputy CM, stated.
When questioned about the significance of the specific date, the MLA downplayed the numerological importance but reiterated the certainty of the shift. "I don't know the significance of the date. It’s just a random number. Everybody is saying this. It can either be January 6 or 9. These are the two dates," he added.
Hussain’s declaration follows his previous statement on Friday that Shivakumar would assume the CM's office after the ongoing Belagavi Winter Session of the legislature concludes (Source 1.3, 1.4).
Reviving the Leadership Tussle
Hussain’s prediction comes amid heightened speculation regarding the much-rumoured power-sharing agreement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and D. K. Shivakumar, which supposedly guaranteed Shivakumar the top post after the Congress government completed 2.5 years in office (Source 2.2, 2.3).
The statement directly contradicts claims made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp, including his son, MLC Dr. Yathindra, who has repeatedly asserted that the party high command has ruled out any change in leadership and that Siddaramaiah will complete the full five-year term (Source 1.5, 2.5).
High Command's Silence and DKS's Reaction
While supporters on both sides continue to fuel the political fire, both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister have maintained publicly that they will abide by the decision of the Congress high command.
D. K. Shivakumar, meanwhile, has distanced himself from the aggressive comments of his loyalists, insisting that he would not indulge in any show of strength (Source 1.4).
The Congress central leadership is now under intense pressure to address the growing public display of infighting, as MLA Hussain's bold prediction of a specific date for the transfer of power has ensured the Karnataka CM tussle will dominate political headlines heading into the new year.
