MLA Claims D K Shivakumar to be Karnataka CM by January; Power Tussle Intensifies

• Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain claims Deputy CM D K Shivakumar will become Karnataka CM in early January, possibly January 6 or 9.
• Hussain, a Shivakumar supporter from Ramanagara, asserts 200% certainty based on a "power-sharing" pact.
• Speculation intensified after the Congress government reached its halfway mark on November 20, fueling a leadership tussle.
• CM Siddaramaiah asserted on December 19 he would continue, stating the high command was in his favor and denied a 2.5-year term limit.
• D K Shivakumar confirmed an agreement with Siddaramaiah, involving the Congress high command, which both leaders will abide by.

Why It Matters: Karnataka's leadership debate heats up as MLA predicts D K Shivakumar as next CM, despite Siddaramaiah's denial.