Veteran Congress leader Veerappa Moily declared Sunday that no one can stop Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar from becoming Chief Minister, calling it a “settled matter.” Speaking at a Congress event in Karkala, the former CM predicted Shivakumar’s ascent is only a matter of time, urging supporters to wish for it to happen soon.

“I ensured Shivakumar’s first MLA ticket. Today, he’s a towering leader in Karnataka,” Moily said, addressing the state Congress President directly on the dais. He praised Shivakumar’s tireless work as KPCC chief, crediting him for bolstering the party’s success in Karnataka and beyond, even during national setbacks. “No one can prevent you from becoming CM. It’s not a gift—it’s earned,” Moily asserted.

Speculation of a leadership shift has swirled within Karnataka’s ruling Congress, fueled by reports of a “rotational CM” deal post the 2023 elections. After a fierce contest with Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar settled for Deputy CM, with whispers suggesting he’d take over after two and a half years—though the party never confirmed this. Moily dismissed doubters, saying, “It’s 100% certain, decided by the people and history. Don’t react to the noise.”

Earlier Sunday, Congress MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga claimed Shivakumar would assume the role by December. Yet, allies of Siddaramaiah, the current CM, insist he’ll serve a full five-year term, clashing with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s call to halt public leadership chatter and focus on governance.

Moily brushed off criticism as futile. “Let others talk for their satisfaction—no one can stop this inevitability,” he said, cementing Shivakumar’s ambition as a dominant narrative in Karnataka’s political landscape.