Days of confrontation has led to a table of idli and sambar as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar met for a breakfast date on Saturday. The meet-up is aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in the state that has shook the Congress’ top leadership in Delhi. The breakfast was hosted by CM Siddaramaiah at his residence.
“Had breakfast with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar this morning and had a brief conversation,” the CM said in a post on X, and shared photos.
The two leaders are seen smiling as they pose for a photo, which at present is the most sought after in the political corridors. Why? Because sitting on each side of the table here is a man who wants to be the CM, and the other is the CM himself who wants to continue amid a reported deal of CM sharing after the Karnataka government completes half term.
DK Shivakumar also shared the photo, and said, “Met Hon’ble CM Shri @siddaramaiah avaru at Cauvery Residence this morning for a breakfast meeting. A productive discussion on Karnataka’s priorities and the road ahead.”
‘No differences between us’
After the breakfast, the two leaders held a joint presser wherein Siddaramaiah said they have no differences and won’t have any in the future as well.
“There are no differences between us and there will be no differences in the future…” he said.
“Our agenda is the 2028 elections. Local body elections are important. We discussed them. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections. We discussed that we will go together. There are no differences between us and there will be no differences in the future…” the CM added.
On the current row, he said they have decided that they will follow whatever the high command says. “There will be no confusion from tomorrow. There is still no confusion. Some media reporters have created the confusion.”
Karnataka power tussle
The CM and Deputy CM met for breakfast after the Congress high command asked them to meet and discuss the ongoing crisis. Legal advisor to CM AS Ponnanna was also present in the meeting.
“The high command has called both of us, so I have invited him (DK Shivakumar) for breakfast, and we will talk there. As I said earlier, I will accept whatever the high command says; there is no change in my stand. Even he (DK Shivakumar) said that whatever the high command says we’ll follow that…” Siddaramaiah said.
The party is likely to put the matter for discussion ahead of the Congress strategy group meeting for the winter session of Parliament on November 30.
On Friday, DKS reiterated that the Congress high command will take any decision regarding the leadership, and that he would follow the same. Earlier, several MLAs had reached Delhi and Shivakumar had said that all 140 MLAs are his MLAs. He met Voligga seer also who has now backed him for the CM post.
He then said if the high command asks, he would go to Delhi if called.
DKS supporters perform Puja, take out rally
Amid the suspense, DKS supporters and members of Karnataka Congress performed Puja for him to be the CM on Friday. Several supporters held a demonstration near Chandramouleshwara Temple on Saturday.
The opposition has meanwhile targeted the Karnataka government and Congress. Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy claimed that there is no development at all and nobody is interested in the Congress’ internal problems.
“Leadership change is their party’s problem. It is not connected with the people of Karnataka. People have given the Congress a five-year mandate to rule the state, but they have not given anything to the people… There is no development at all. The farmers are fighting for their problems, and even Dalits have been cheated by the Congress. Nobody is interested in the Congress’ internal problems…,” he said.
JDU MP and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy said, “… I don’t want to discuss all those things. A drama is going on. We are eagerly waiting for the outcome of this ultimate drama… Where is the development? Development has collapsed in Karnataka… Work started by the previous governments is continuing. There is no fresh work by this government. They are just trying to grab land and loot the state.”
The high command, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, is expected to make a decision soon. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have expressed willingness to abide by the party’s decision.