In a bid to project a united front, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar convened for a breakfast meeting at Shivakumar’s residence on Tuesday. The meeting comes at a time when rumors of internal friction over the Chief Minister’s position have been circulating, despite repeated assurances from both leaders that they will abide by the Congress high command’s directives.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was welcomed by Deputy CM Shivakumar and his brother, former MP D.K. Suresh, for the morning meal. Speaking to the media post-meeting, Siddaramaiah conveyed a message of solidarity: “There are no differences. D.K. Shivakumar and I are united. We are running the government. In the future also, we will run the government unitedly.” This statement seeks to neutralize ongoing political speculation.
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara acknowledged the buzz surrounding the leadership, referring to it as a period where “people have different aspirations.” He praised the leaders’ decision to meet again, calling it a “good thing” and advocating for a “peaceful settlement.” Parameshwara indicated that the high command’s suggestions are being followed and that such meetings are a normal part of governance and resolution.
This breakfast summit is the second significant interaction between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in under a week. A prior meeting on November 29th was also held at Siddaramaiah’s residence. While Shivakumar described that session as a “productive discussion on Karnataka’s priorities and the road ahead,” it was widely perceived as an attempt to ease tensions arising from the internal power dynamics within the state’s ruling Congress party, specifically relating to the Chief Minister’s term.