Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar Hold Breakfast Meet Amid Karnataka CM Power Struggle.
In a bid to ease tensions over the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka, CM Siddaramaiah hosted Deputy CM DK Shivakumar for breakfast on Saturday. The meeting follows Congress high command intervention, which called on both leaders to resolve differences and maintain party unity.
AS Ponnanna, Siddaramaiah’s legal advisor, was also present. Following the breakfast, Shivakumar is set to travel to Delhi to meet senior leaders, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.
A photo from the meeting showing the leaders sharing upma, idli, and sambar circulated widely, signaling that relations remain cordial. Both leaders described the discussion positively:
Siddaramaiah: “Brief discussion.”
Shivakumar: “Productive discussion on Karnataka’s priorities and future plans.”
Shivakumar reaffirmed his loyalty to Congress, emphasizing that leadership decisions rest with the high command. Siddaramaiah reiterated he would accept whatever the party decides, maintaining his stance while inviting Shivakumar for dialogue.
Background: Karnataka Leadership Tensions
Speculation over a potential leadership change has resurfaced, with factions backing their preferred candidate for the CM post. Siddaramaiah, completing 2.5 years in office, assumed the role after the 2023 Assembly election under an informal power-sharing arrangement.
While Siddaramaiah intends to serve his full term, Shivakumar is widely seen as the frontrunner if a reshuffle occurs. Other leaders, including Home Minister G Parameshwara, have also expressed interest.
A Cabinet reshuffle is expected soon, leaving the high command to decide whether Siddaramaiah continues or Shivakumar takes over ahead of the 2028 polls. Senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily criticized the central leadership, warning that unresolved internal tensions could damage the party’s prospects in Karnataka.
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