The Congress party is embroiled in a debate over leadership in Karnataka, sparked by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's remarks about the 'chair'. CM Siddaramaiah has dismissed all speculation, asserting unity.
Karnataka: Speculation about a leadership change within the Karnataka Congress has once again intensified. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's comment, "Sit down as soon as you get the chair," has created a stir in political circles. He made this statement at a public event, which is being seen as a sign of a power struggle. Although both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly displayed unity, internal discussions and tensions continue.
Shivakumar's statement becomes a topic of discussion
During the Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations in Bengaluru, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar made a comment that created a buzz in Karnataka politics. He said, "We keep fighting for the chair. You (lawyers) are saying from afar that you don't want the chair. Come and sit here. It is difficult to get the chair. Learn to sit on it as soon as you get it. Opportunities are rare. When you get it, you should use it."
The comment certainly drew laughter at the event, but political analysts did not take it lightly. Shivakumar's remarks came at a time when rumors about the leadership of the Karnataka Congress government are rife.
Two power centers in the ruling Congress
Since the formation of the Congress government in Karnataka, there have been discussions about the power balance between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar. Both leaders are in a b position with their respective supporters. Reports of internal power struggles over the sharing of power have constantly surfaced.
After the elections, the Congress leadership, as part of an agreement, made Siddaramaiah the Chief Minister and Shivakumar the Deputy Chief Minister. But it has not yet been clarified how long this arrangement will last. This is why Shivakumar's comment about the 'chair' is being seen as a future claim.
Shivakumar, returning from Delhi, denies comment
After returning from a visit to Delhi, when journalists questioned Shivakumar about the comment, he refused to give any clarification. He said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had already informed everyone about the Congress high command's stance on the leadership.
Siddaramaiah dismisses speculation of leadership change
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had a meeting with Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday. After this meeting, he completely dismissed the speculation of a leadership change. Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said, "Surjewala has clearly said that there will be no change in leadership. This issue is not under discussion. When he has said this, then why are speculations being made. There has been no discussion about this within the party."
Public unity was also displayed earlier
Last month, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar had come together on a public platform to display unity. They had said, "We both have good relations, no matter what anyone says." This statement was seen at the time as an attempt to quell reports of a power struggle. But now, Shivakumar's new comment has fueled these speculations again.