India, Aug. 17 -- Political tremors were felt in Karnataka Congress after Channagiri MLA Basavaraju Shivaganga on Saturday publicly declared that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar would take over as chief minister "after December" this year

The remark, made at a local event, immediately triggered controversy within the ruling party. Shivaganga was quoted as saying that Shivakumar's elevation was already decided and that it was only a matter of time before the transition took place.

Reacting sharply, Shivakumar distanced himself from the statement and stressed party discipline. "It was made very clear that no one should comment on the Chief Minister's tenure, power-sharing or other issues. MLAs must follow the party line and avoid crea...