Congress MLA Predicts Leadership Shift: Shivakumar to Become Chief Minister by December

In a bold assertion, Congress MLA Basavaraju V. Shivaganga has declared that Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will ascend to the Chief Minister’s position by December 2025. He further predicted that Shivakumar would hold the office for the next 7.5 years, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects in the subsequent Assembly elections.

“Write it down; it will happen by December,” Shivaganga stated emphatically. “I can also write and give it to you in blood if you want, that he [Shivakumar] will become CM by December. If he takes charge in December, he will run the administration, including the next five-year term too, so by and large, he will be CM for 7.5 years.”

Shivaganga credited Shivakumar for his significant contributions to the Congress party’s successes in both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He highlighted Shivakumar’s organizational skills, personal investments, and sacrifices for the party’s growth. “He has made history,” Shivaganga noted. “He has organized the party, invested his resources, and sacrificed a lot for it. His silence or composure should not be mistaken for weakness. The high command is aware of everything, and I am a hundred per cent sure he will be CM by December.”

These remarks come amid ongoing speculation about a potential leadership change in Karnataka under a “rotational chief minister” or “power-sharing” arrangement. Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Congress President, has been vocal about his aspirations for the Chief Minister’s role.

Following the Congress’s victory in the May 2023 Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah was appointed Chief Minister, while Shivakumar accepted the Deputy Chief Minister position. At that time, reports suggested a “rotational chief minister” agreement, wherein Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years. However, the party has not officially confirmed such an arrangement.

Shivaganga’s recent statements have reignited discussions within political circles regarding the future leadership of Karnataka. Party insiders and political analysts are closely monitoring these developments as December approaches.

Dhanya Reddy S

Alma Media School Student