DK Shivakumar’s statement created a sensation

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has once again created a stir with a statement full of political sarcasm, fuelling speculations of an alleged power-sharing deal with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking at the Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations, Shivakumar smiled and said, “We are fighting for the chair… There are chairs here, please come and sit. It is not easy to get a chair. So once you get it, you have to grab it.” Though the statement was made with humour and was well received by the audience, the comments have once again fuelled rumours of an infighting for the chief minister’s post within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka. He, however, said it was his job to bring the party back to power in the state in 2028 and not to publicly discuss issues like the chief minister’s post. But, Shivakumar’s remark on Saturday fuelled fresh speculations. Responding to a question on the Karnataka chief minister’s post, DK Shivakumar said, “The party will take a decision at the right time. I don’t want to discuss it. This is not an issue that should be discussed in the media first. Our job is to bring the party back to power in 2028.” The remarks came just days after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Congress national general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala in Delhi. After the meeting, Siddaramaiah categorically dismissed any rumours of a leadership change, calling such speculations baseless.