India, March 3 -- Amid ongoing speculation about a leadership change in Karnataka later this year, Congress MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga on Sunday claimed that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will take over as Chief Minister by December.

According to news agency PTI, he further asserted that Shivakumar would hold the position for the next 7.5 years, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory in the next Assembly elections as well.

"Write it down, it will happen by December. I can also write and give it to you in blood if you want, that he (Shivakumar) will become CM by December. If he takes charge in December, he will run the administration, including the next five-year term too, so by and large, he will be CM for 7.5 ...