‘Party will take call’: DK Shivakumar sidesteps CM question amid fresh buzz over ‘chair’ comment

Bengaluru, July 12, 2025 — In the midst of renewed political speculation surrounding Karnataka’s power-sharing formula, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has once again deflected direct questions about his potential elevation to the Chief Minister’s post, stating that the decision rests entirely with the Congress high command. The latest round of buzz was triggered by his cryptic remark on the “chair,” which political analysts view as a possible hint at a leadership shift.

‘I’m Not After Any Chair’: Shivakumar's Clarification

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Friday, Shivakumar addressed the growing curiosity sparked by his earlier comment: “I am not after any chair, the party will decide.” The statement came during an interaction with the press on the sidelines of a party meeting, where Shivakumar reiterated his loyalty to the Congress leadership.

“I don’t have personal ambitions. The party has given me the responsibility of serving Karnataka as Deputy CM and KPCC President. The high command will take any decision on leadership changes at the appropriate time,” he said.

His remarks are being closely analyzed in the backdrop of his recent statement in Ballari, where he cryptically said, “Everyone wants the chair, but not all chairs are meant to be taken immediately.” The comment immediately sparked a political storm, with insiders and rivals interpreting it as a subtle nudge toward Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Power-Sharing Deal Back in Spotlight

The Congress party’s internal agreement, widely speculated though never officially confirmed, was believed to be a power-sharing pact between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. The understanding allegedly involved a mid-term leadership change, with Shivakumar taking over as CM around 18–24 months after the 2023 Assembly election win.

Now, as the Karnataka government completes over a year in office, murmurs about the impending leadership change have grown louder. However, sources close to the central leadership maintain that no final decision has been made.

Political Analysts Decode the Signals

Political observers note that while Shivakumar has maintained a publicly deferential tone, his recent statements are calibrated to keep his ambitions in public discourse without appearing overtly confrontational.

“Shivakumar is playing a long game. His strength lies in being seen as a disciplined soldier of the party while subtly reminding the leadership and the public of the earlier promise,” said Dr. Harish Ramaswamy, political analyst and professor at Karnatak University.

“The Congress high command is balancing factional dynamics. Shivakumar has a significant support base, especially among the Vokkaliga community, but replacing a sitting CM like Siddaramaiah, who also has mass appeal and administrative experience, is not a straightforward choice.”

Congress Caught Between Stability and Ambition

While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has not reacted publicly to Shivakumar’s recent remarks, his camp has pushed back against any narrative of an imminent leadership change. Congress insiders say the central leadership is wary of triggering instability in Karnataka, especially with the 2026 Lok Sabha elections in sight.

“We have a stable government. Any decision regarding the leadership will be taken only if it benefits the party electorally and administratively,” a senior AICC leader said on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar continues to maintain his statewide tour schedule and organizational duties, signaling that he remains active and influential within both the party and the government.

Investor Outlook: Political Stability Key to Karnataka’s Growth

From an economic and investor standpoint, political continuity in Karnataka is crucial. The state has emerged as a major hub for technology, manufacturing, and startups. With key industrial corridors under development and FDI inflows on the rise, any perception of political instability could unsettle investor sentiment.

“Karnataka has performed well post-COVID, driven by infrastructure spending and the services sector. However, prolonged political uncertainty or internal leadership tussles could dampen long-term confidence,” said Rajeev Nair, senior analyst at Axis Capital.

Market participants will closely watch how the Congress handles the internal dynamics without disrupting governance.

What Lies Ahead?

The Congress high command, led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, is expected to hold review meetings in Bengaluru later this month. Insiders suggest that discussions around cabinet expansion, performance evaluation, and coalition management with regional leaders will take precedence, with the leadership issue handled discreetly.

For now, DK Shivakumar’s “party will take call” refrain allows him to stay within the organizational framework while keeping political observers guessing. Whether his cryptic ‘chair’ comment was an honest metaphor or a coded message to the party brass remains open to interpretation—but the power play in Karnataka is undoubtedly heating up again.