Chair wars!
Strap: It’s not just furniture — Karnataka’s CM chair has become a symbol of stalled power-sharing and friction
Blurb:
Jagadguru Shaila of Balehonnur in Chikkamagaluru reminded the Congress of the reported agreement between the two leaders. “We don’t know what deal was struck during government formation, but if there was one, the high command should honour it,” he said.
Byline: Ashwin K
The Congress in Karnataka appears far from achieving political stability, as the power-sharing tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar continues to simmer.
When the party returned to power in 2023, it was widely reported that a rotational chief ministership had been agreed upon — Siddaramaiah would lead the government for the first half of the term, and Shivakumar would take over in the latter half.
Siddaramaiah, then the party’s most popular face in the state, was chosen as CM. However, it was understood that Shivakumar would get his turn at the top post midway through the five-year term. Now, as the halfway mark approaches, tensions between the two camps are becoming increasingly visible.
Signs of discord began surfacing months ago, when several informal gatherings and dinner parties were hosted by politicians believed to be close to Siddaramaiah. These were seen by observers as subtle displays of political clout — early warnings that Siddaramaiah might not willingly relinquish his position.
These suspicions were all but confirmed when the veteran Ahinda leader, speaking to the press, firmly stated, “I will be Karnataka CM for five years. Why should there be any doubt?”
Shivakumar’s reaction to this bold claim surprised many. Contrary to expectations of a possible revolt, he appeared to take a step back. “What options do I have?” he said, adding that he would support Siddaramaiah and follow the party’s decision.
He also pointed out that in a democracy, every MLA has the right to aspire for leadership and noted the cabinet’s limited capacity, “We have 142 MLAs, but only 34 have been inducted. As per the Constitution, only 15% can be made ministers.”
While that statement may have quelled immediate speculation, the undercurrents of rivalry remain. Adding fuel to the fire are recent comments from influential Lingayat religious leaders — a community with considerable clout in Karnataka politics.
Their vocal support for Shivakumar is notable, particularly because he belongs to the Vokkaliga community, which has historically had strained ties with the Lingayats. In light of the caste census and new political alignments, this unexpected backing has raised eyebrows.
Religious voices weigh in
Jagadguru Shaila of Balehonnur in Chikkamagaluru district reminded the Congress of the reported agreement between the two leaders. “We don’t know what deal was struck during government formation, but if there was one, the high command should honour it,” he said.
His remarks followed an earlier endorsement from Rajadeshikendra Shivacharya of the Rambapuri Math, who remarked, “Shivakumar should have received a higher position after the last election… may he get it soon.”
Although Shivakumar has largely kept his rhetoric restrained, he hasn’t shied away from wry humour. Speaking at the Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations hosted by the Advocates’ Association, he quipped, “I see many lawyers not sitting despite vacant chairs, while we’re all scrambling for one. Getting a chair is not easy. When you get the opportunity, you must sit and not let it go. Many of you seem very sacrificial by nature.”
While the audience laughed, many interpreted the remarks as a thinly veiled reference to the ongoing leadership tussle — a reminder that in politics, no chair is ever just furniture.