Karnataka Political History Repeats: Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Tensions Echo Kumaraswamy-Yediyurappa Power Struggle

In 2007, a seemingly stable power-sharing agreement between the JDS and BJP collapsed dramatically.

New Delhi:

Karnataka is once again experiencing a political situation with remarkable similarities to its past. Recently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's relationship shifted from visible tension to a cordial breakfast meeting featuring traditional South Indian cuisine. This current political dynamic strongly resembles a previous critical chapter in Karnataka's political history that serves as a warning for present leaders.

During 2006-07, what appeared to be a solid alliance between the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with a rotational power-sharing formula disintegrated into political hostility, resignations, and eventually President's Rule. This earlier crisis featured prominent politicians HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S) and BS Yediyurappa of BJP.

Following the inconclusive 2004 Assembly elections, Karnataka faced a three-way split between the Congress, JD(S), and BJP. Initially, JD(S) formed a coalition government with Congress, but by 2006, Kumaraswamy's JD(S) shifted allegiance to BJP.

The arrangement stipulated a 20-month rotational chief ministership, with Kumaraswamy taking the first term.

This coalition was intended to provide a stable alternative to Congress governance. However, the alliance soon showed signs of strain. Allegations of corruption and disagreements over major infrastructure initiatives damaged relations between the coalition partners.

As the 20-month deadline approached in late 2007, JD(S) leadership under former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and his son Kumaraswamy hesitated to transfer power. The BJP felt betrayed, resulting in coalition collapse.

Kumaraswamy resigned in October 2007, leading to Governor-recommended dissolution and President's Rule. In the ensuing political turmoil, Yediyurappa's first term as chief minister in November 2007 lasted merely days. Kumaraswamy accused central BJP leaders of conspiracy while BJP claimed JD(S) had broken their agreement.

Fresh elections held in May 2008 resulted in a BJP victory with 110 seats.

The parallels between 2007 and the present situation are striking. Both scenarios feature two senior leaders engaged in a power struggle. In 2007, political analysts noted that delayed decision-making by national leadership accelerated the coalition's demise. Today, observers question whether Congress high command has responded sufficiently quickly to resolve the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar conflict before it reaches an irreparable state.

During the earlier crisis, the JD(S) (with predominantly Vokkaliga leadership) and BJP alliance attempted to unite multiple caste groups for political advantage. Currently, caste organizations within Karnataka are cautioning that marginalizing Shivakumar could alienate Vokkaliga voters.

In 2006, a rotational Chief Ministership was accepted as a political necessity, and in 2025, similar speculations about a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing arrangement have emerged.