The battle for Karnataka’s Chief Ministerial post is heating up within the ruling Congress Party, with DK Shivakumar emerging as a strong contender against incumbent CM Siddaramaiah. Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Veerappa Moily has made a bold assertion, declaring that "no one can stop Shivakumar from becoming the Chief Minister."

Veerappa Moily's Strong Endorsement for DK Shivakumar

At a Congress event in Karkala, Karnataka, Moily publicly backed Shivakumar’s Chief Ministerial ambitions, stating that his leadership and contributions to the party make his ascension inevitable.

"I was the one who ensured that Shivakumar got his first ticket to contest as an MLA. Today, he has emerged as a successful leader in Karnataka. Let's all wish for him to become the Chief Minister at the earliest," Moily said.

Acknowledging Shivakumar’s role as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, Moily highlighted his dedication to the party, both at the state and national levels, particularly during Congress’s challenging political phases.

"No One Can Stop You from Becoming CM"

Addressing Shivakumar directly while he was present on the dais, Moily declared:

"Several statements may come and go, but no one can stop you from becoming the Chief Minister. The post is not a gift; it is something you have earned."

Moily dismissed criticisms and opposition within the Congress ranks, suggesting that any resistance is futile.

"There is no need to worry. If someone criticizes it, they may do so for their satisfaction, but no one can prevent Shivakumar from becoming CM. It has already been decided—by the people, by history. No one can stop it; it is just a matter of time."

Rotational CM Speculation Grows

Rumors have been circulating about a possible rotational Chief Ministerial arrangement, where Siddaramaiah would step down mid-term in favor of Shivakumar. While the Congress leadership has remained silent on the matter, political circles in Karnataka are abuzz with speculation about a power transition later in the year.

Shivakumar, who has long been vocal about his ambition to become CM, has maintained a strategic stance, avoiding direct confrontations with Siddaramaiah’s camp.

Congress MLA Predicts Shivakumar Will Become CM by December

Adding to the speculation, Congress MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga claimed earlier in the day that Shivakumar would take over as Chief Minister by December 2025.

These remarks challenge assertions from ministers and leaders aligned with Siddaramaiah, who have insisted that the incumbent CM will serve a full five-year term.

Congress Leadership’s Warning: Focus on Governance

Despite the escalating tensions, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recently warned party members to refrain from making public statements on the leadership change, urging them instead to focus on governance.

Kharge’s remarks were seen as a direct response to the ongoing power struggle between the two factions, as well as efforts to maintain stability within the Karnataka Congress.

Conclusion: Is a Leadership Change Inevitable?

With senior leaders like Veerappa Moily openly backing Shivakumar’s bid for Chief Minister, the Karnataka Congress faces a period of uncertainty. If a rotational CM agreement was indeed made behind closed doors, Siddaramaiah may have to step aside eventually.

However, given the strong resistance from his camp and the Congress high command’s reluctance to engage in open leadership debates, it remains to be seen when and how the transition will take place.

For now, DK Shivakumar’s supporters remain confident that his rise to Karnataka’s top post is only a matter of time.

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