Shivakumar Supporters Push Back After Yathindra remark, Hint Elevation Soon
MLA Kadalur Uday also voiced confidence in Shivakumar’s chances
Belagavi: A day after Yathindra Siddaramaiah reiterated for the second time in a week that the Congress high command has ruled out any immediate change of leadership in Karnataka, loyalists of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar countered with renewed confidence — with MLA Iqbal Hussain asserting that Shivakumar will become CM after the session.
While expressing confidence in Shivakumar becoming CM, they ensured to repeat that all would abide by the High Command decision.
Iqbal Hussain, who had expressed displeasure over Yathindra’s remarks on Thursday, reiterated on Friday that Shivakumar would become CM after the session.
When reporters asked whether Shivakumar shared any “good news” during Thursday night’s dinner meeting with MLAs, Iqbal shot back, “I am giving good news.”
When asked if Shivakumar would become CM after the session, he said “O God! how many times can I say? He will become after the session,” he insisted.
Maintaining that the party’s internal discipline remains paramount, he said, “Congress is a disciplined party. Here nobody is above the high command. Numbers are not important — decisions are. The party has asked us to follow discipline, which is the culture of the party.”
Iqbal said nearly 50 people attended the dinner and dismissed speculation that it was a show of strength. “There was no politics or show of strength in it,” he maintained.
MLA Kadalur Uday also voiced confidence in Shivakumar’s chances.
“DK Shivakumar should become CM, and he will be. But whatever decision the high command takes will be final. Individual statements have no importance,” he said.
“There is no objection to Siddaramaiah continuing as CM. We are not saying he should step down. DK should become CM for his effort. He may become CM anytime — the high command will decide,” Uday added.
Congress MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga — who had earlier claimed he would “write in blood” that Shivakumar would become Chief Minister by December — was more guarded on Friday.
“Time will come, and I will speak in January,” he said.
Questioning Yathindra’s authority to comment on leadership matters, he asked, “Did the high command tell him? I am an MLA — I have a vote to elect the CM. I had said not to consider any MLA’s statement. What should I say if you now consider an MLC’s statement?”
When reminded that Yathindra is the CM’s son, he retorted that he too is the nephew of former CM JH Patel.
Meanwhile, MLA Balakrishna urged Yathindra to refrain from making statements that could create discomfort for the party and government.
“I request that nobody should speak about leadership. People should have commonsense. Sometimes it so happens that big people have one rule and others another,” he said.
