'It is difficult to find ... ': DK Shivakumar's 'chair' remark sparks fresh buzz; day after Siddaramaiah's leadership change denial
NEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy chief minister
DK Shivakumar
on Saturday triggered fresh political speculation with a cryptic comment involving "chairs" just a day after chief minister Siddaramaiah dismissed any possibility of a leadership change and reaffirmed that he would serve a full term.
Shivakumar made a metaphor-laced statement that drew attention while speaking at the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations organised by the Bangalore Bar Association.
"There are so many chairs, come and sit. It is difficult to find a chair. When you find a chair, you have to come and sit on the raft," he said, addressing a gathering of lawyers. "If you look at yourself, you all look like tyagis (those who renounce)," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
The remark, delivered with a touch of humour, is being widely interpreted as a veiled reference to the ongoing buzz around a potential power shift in Karnataka, an issue that has resurfaced despite repeated denials from the Congress high command.
"It seems many of you are very sacrificial by nature. Such a good building has been made with great chairs, make use of the opportunities when you get them," he added.
The light-hearted remarks were seen by many as a veiled reference to the long-rumoured power-sharing arrangement within the ruling Congress, under which Shivakumar was expected to succeed Siddaramaiah halfway through the five-year term.
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Reports of such an informal agreement have persisted since the Congress formed the government in May 2023, with speculation that Siddaramaiah would lead for the first two-and-a-half years before Shivakumar took over. However, both leaders have publicly denied any such deal.
During the event, Shivakumar also announced several initiatives to support the Bar Association, including the allocation of 10 acres of land, financial assistance, and annual awards in the name of Kempegowda.
He said that the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA) would provide Rs 5 crore for the association's development, and Rs 5 lakh annually would be allocated for Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations. Additionally, two lawyers will be honored each year with the Kempegowda Award.
Speaking about infrastructure, Shivakumar mentioned that the solar grid system for the association's building would be inspected within a week.
On the issue of land, he promised 10 acres of revenue land, depending on availability, and encouraged the association to identify suitable land within 20 km of the city for the government to allocate.
Reaffirming the state's commitment to Kempegowda's legacy, Shivakumar highlighted the role of the Greater Bangalore Authority in preserving the founder's vision. He also announced plans for a Rs 1 lakh crore investment in upcoming urban development projects in Bengaluru, with cooperation from the governor and opposition leaders.
He emphasised Kempegowda's planning and contribution to Bengaluru's early growth, saying, "Bangalore is not a planned city. But Kempegowda was the one who built the city in a planned manner. He implemented Krishnadevaraya's ideas here. He built and lit up this town to promote trade and commerce.'
Shivakumar also reflected on his personal journey, stating, ' I have my own dreams for this city. Speaking at a media conference after coming out of Tihar Jail, I said that I was born a farmer, then a businessman, accidentally an education lover, and a politician by choice. I dreamed of becoming a politician in my school days. From there, I organised and raised it.'
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