80-90 MLAs Want DK Shivakumar as Karnataka CM

Ramanagara (Karnataka), February 10 :
Karnataka Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain has claimed that around 80 to 90 Congress MLAs have requested the party high command to give Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar a chance to become the Chief Minister of Karnataka during the current tenure.

Speaking to ANI on Monday, Hussain said the party has left the decision to the Congress high command, but many MLAs strongly feel that DK Shivakumar deserves the CM post.

“80-90 MLAs Have Requested the High Command”

Iqbal Hussain said that a large number of MLAs have already submitted DK Shivakumar’s name to the high command for the Chief Minister post.

“We have left it for the high command. 80-90 MLAs have requested the high command to give a chance to DK Shivakumar (for the CM post),” he said.

He added that Congress is a disciplined party and leaders should avoid creating confusion through public statements.

Iqbal Hussain Criticises Yathindra Siddaramaiah

The Karnataka Congress MLA also criticised Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah for repeatedly making statements in support of his father and current CM Siddaramaiah.

Hussain said such remarks can embarrass the party leadership and provoke unnecessary political debate.

“Every father loves his son, and son loves his father, but in politics, we have to act with discipline,” he said.

“DK Shivakumar Must Get a Chance in This Tenure”

Iqbal Hussain openly said that he personally wants DK Shivakumar to become the CM within this tenure itself.

“We all have in our hearts that DK Shivakumar be given a chance. Everyone is wishing for it,” he added.

Channaraj Hattiholi Also Supports DK Shivakumar

Congress MLC Channaraj Hattiholi also supported DK Shivakumar, saying he should become CM soon.

“I wish DK Shivakumar should be the CM soon in this tenure,” he said.

What Did Yathindra Siddaramaiah Say?

Last week, Yathindra Siddaramaiah reportedly claimed that the Congress high command has already approved Siddaramaiah to continue as Chief Minister for the full term.

This statement triggered renewed discussion about the leadership issue in Karnataka Congress.

DK Shivakumar’s Response

Reacting to Yathindra’s remarks, DK Shivakumar responded politely but with a sharp remark.

“I accept whatever he says with respect. Since he has spoken as if he is the High Command, let us accept him as such,” Shivakumar said.

Karnataka Congress Leadership Debate Continues

The leadership tussle within Karnataka Congress reportedly began in November 2025, when the state government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term.

Along with Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara is also said to be in the race for the Chief Minister post.