Karnataka Congress MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar (Image credits: X @BShivaganga)
NEW DELHI: Karnataka Congress MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga on Saturday claimed that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will become the next Chief Minister of the state after December, even as CM Siddaramaiah has reiterated his intention to serve a full five-year term.”After December D K will become the CM…,” said Shivaganga, MLA from Channagiri, as reported PTI. He has made similar statements in the past suggesting that Shivakumar could assume the role in the coming days.Shivakumar, who is also the Congress state president, described Shivaganga’s remarks as a “violation of party discipline” and said a notice would be served to him.”Despite several warnings, Shivaganga continued to make such statements. A notice will be served to him,” Shivakumar said. “No one should talk about the CM post and other issues. MLAs should follow party discipline. They should not cross the line. They have been strictly instructed in the past not to create confusion by making unnecessary statements. Despite this, Shivaganga once again making a statement on the matter is in violation of party discipline. Therefore, a notice will be served to him,” he added, as quoted by PTI. Speculation over a possible change in the Chief Minister’s post has been widespread within the state’s political circles, fueled by reports of a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.After the Assembly elections in May 2023, there was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the Chief Minister’s position. Eventually, the Congress managed to bring Shivakumar on board as Deputy Chief Minister.
