NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar on Tuesday projected a strong display of unity after their second breakfast meeting at Deputy CM’s residence, declaring that they would “run the government together,” amid escalating leadership tussle within the Congress.Addressing the joint press briefing, Siddaramaiah said a meeting with the party high command was also likely soon. When asked about the possibility of Shivakumar becoming chief minister, he responded, “When the High Command says.”“There are no differences. Me and DK Shivakumar are united. We will run the government together in the future as well. All our MLAs are united, and unitedly we will face the opposition. We are in the same party, we follow the same ideology, and we work together. In the future, too, both of us will work together and bring the party back to power,” he said, setting a confident tone of unity, downplaying the speculated leadership conflict.“This unity is not something new today; we have always been united. Whatever decision Rahul Gandhi makes, we will act accordingly; that is what I have said,” he added, reiterating that their partnership was not new.Siddaramaiah’s breakfast visit was the second in three days. It was seen as another attempt to ease tensions. On Saturday, Shivakumar had joined the CM at his Cauvery residence for a traditional idli–vada–sambar spread. On Tuesday, Shivakumar hosted him with Nati chicken and idlis.The outreach comes after the Congress high command nudged both leaders to present a united front ahead of the Belagavi legislature session starting December 8.
Discussions on MSP, assembly session and party issues
Siddaramaiah said the two discussed issues affecting farmers, including MSP for maize and sugarcane. “After breakfast, we discussed the assembly session. It was decided that we should call a meeting of the MLAs on December 8. We will discuss farmers’ issues and other issues of the state,” he said.Reaffirming loyalty to the leadership, he added, “Both of us will accept the decision taken by the high command, especially Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge.”The CM also said the opposition was preparing to bring a no-confidence motion, “BJP and JD(S) are planning to oppose whatever decisions we take. Our government is pro-farmer.”Shivakumar echoed this messaging, posting on X, “Honoured to welcome the Hon’ble Chief Minister to my residence today. We stand committed to the development of Karnataka and the progress of our people.”
BJP hits out at Breakfast diplomacy 2.0
Taking a swipe at the Congress leaders, BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said the state had become a stage for political theatrics. “This is just a teaser, the full picture showing Congress’s condition will release soon… If the CM and Dy CM are engaged in breakfast meetings, then when will they work for the welfare of the people? ‘Karnataka ka natak’ should finish soon,” he said.The display of unity comes amid intense speculation of a leadership change after the government completed half of its five-year term on November 20. Talk of a 2023 “power-sharing” formula, where Siddaramaiah would serve 2.5 years before handing over the CM post to Shivakumar has fueled tensions, though neither leader has acknowledged such an agreement and the party has never confirmed it.While Siddaramaiah insists he will serve the full term, Shivakumar’s camp has pushed for the alleged rotational arrangement. The high command is now attempting to keep both leaders aligned as it works to prevent instability in the state.
