Karnataka's political scene is currently heated, with the tussle for power between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar intensifying. Differences between the two leaders regarding the power-sharing formula are now becoming apparent in public.
Bengaluru: The internal power struggle within the Karnataka government is once again in the spotlight. A public comment by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has once again brought the Congress party's internal politics to the forefront. Speaking at an event organized by the Bangalore Advocates Association, Shivakumar said, "One should sit on the chair when the opportunity arises; one should not let this opportunity slip away." His comment is being linked to the alleged power-sharing tussle with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
What's the whole matter?
Speaking on the occasion of Kempegowda Jayanti, held on July 11, D.K. Shivakumar humorously told the lawyers, "Many lawyers here are not sitting despite empty chairs, while we are all struggling for a 'chair'. It's not easy to get a chair. When the opportunity arises, one should sit on it and not let this opportunity go."
Although he said this in jest, it is being considered a serious indication in political circles. This statement has once again brought the potential 'two-and-a-half-year' formula regarding the Chief Minister's post between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar into discussion.
Was there really any agreement?
When the Congress government was formed in Karnataka in May 2023, speculations were rife that the Congress high command had brokered an unwritten agreement between the two leaders — in which Siddaramaiah would remain Chief Minister for the first two and a half years, and later the power would be handed over to D.K. Shivakumar.
However, the Congress party neither confirmed nor denied this agreement. But on Thursday (July 10), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clearly stated that he would complete his term. He said: "The decision of the Chief Minister's post has been made by the Congress high command, and I am getting full support. If this were not the case, I would not have been on this post by now."
What is the political meaning of Shivakumar's words?
Political analysts believe that D.K. Shivakumar's 'chair' comment is not just a joke, but it reflects his intention and ambition for power. Shivakumar has long expressed his desire to become the Chief Minister, and now that almost half of the government's term is over, he is working to strengthen his claim.
After the Congress government was formed in Karnataka, the party hoped that it would get stable and b leadership in the state, but these ongoing controversies have indicated that not everything is well within. If this conflict between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar deepens, it could also affect the 2026 Lok Sabha elections.
