A fresh political buzz has emerged in Karnataka after Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain claimed that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is likely to take over as chief minister early next year. Speaking on Saturday, the Ramanagara legislator said there was a strong possibility that Shivakumar would assume the top post on January 6, replacing incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Hussain told reporters that Shivakumar deserved an opportunity to lead the state and expressed near certainty about the leadership change. “There is a 99 per cent chance that he becomes chief minister on January 6,” he told PTI, reiterating his support for the deputy chief minister.

When questioned about the importance of the date, Hussain admitted there was no specific reasoning behind it. “I don't know. It's ju

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