Overview
- Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar met more than 30 Congress legislators and ministers for a late-night dinner in Belagavi, which he characterized as a social gathering.
- Congress MLA H. A. Iqbal Hussain declared that Shivakumar will take over after the winter session and later said there is a “99% chance” of January 6, while noting the high command will make the final call.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yathindra restated that the high command has indicated there is no leadership change “as of now,” keeping tensions alive between camps.
- Reports say Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are slated to meet Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on December 14 following the Congress rally, though Siddaramaiah publicly denied receiving any summons.
- Both leaders continue to say they will abide by the party’s decision as the Belagavi legislature session runs through December 19, with the opposition arguing the public dispute is affecting governance.