The timing of the meetings shows that the party high command has taken charge of the situation and wants both leaders to be seen working together. (Photo: X/DKShivakumar)
As Karnataka’s Congress government crossed the halfway point of its five-year term on November 20, the party leadership moved quickly to control growing speculation about a power shift. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar held their second breakfast meeting in three days, this time at Shivakumar’s residence, to project unity at a time when rumours of an internal tussle are spreading fast.
The renewed outreach signals an effort to calm political chatter, reassure party workers, and prepare a stable front before the key Belagavi legislature session begins on December 8.
Shivakumar hosted the Chief Minister for what many are calling “breakfast 2.0.” After the meeting, he posted, "Hosted the Hon'ble CM for breakfast at my residence today as we reaffirm our commitment to good governance and the continued development of our state under the Congress vision."
A day earlier, he had invited the CM publicly by saying, "and the CM continues to work together as a team. I have invited the Hon'ble CM for breakfast tomorrow to discuss and strengthen our collective efforts to deliver on our promises to Karnataka."
This came after Siddaramaiah told reporters that he had not yet received an invitation, but would attend “if invited.” Soon after, the invitation was extended.
The timing of the meetings shows that the party high command has taken charge of the situation and wants both leaders to be seen working together.
The fresh outreach follows a similar meeting at the CM’s residence in Cauvery on Saturday. That meeting featured a traditional idli-vada-sambar spread and ended with a joint press briefing closely watched across Karnataka’s political circles.
Siddaramaiah made it clear that the tension narrative was exaggerated. He said, "There is no difference between me and DKS, not now, not before."
He added, "The media has created this confusion. From tomorrow, let there be no confusion."
He also assured smooth functioning of the upcoming Assembly session and emphasised that the party would "fight BJP and JD(S) together."
Shivakumar too matched the tone. He said, "People have shown great trust and given a massive mandate to us. It is our duty to deliver to the people of Karnataka… Both of us have full trust in our leadership."
He also stated, "Whatever the CM says, I agree with him. We will not allow outsiders to interfere."
The party’s top central leaders have issued clear instructions: keep differences aside and present a united leadership. This is why the two senior leaders are meeting repeatedly.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, who is also seen as a contender for the top post, said he wants a peaceful resolution. He stated, "All we want is a peaceful settlement of whatever has happened over the month or so… All the issues are settled."
He acknowledged that “different people have different aspirations,” but added that such ambitions are natural in politics.
With the December 8 legislature session approaching, Congress wants stability and clarity.
The back-to-back breakfast meetings are meant to:
Whether these optics will permanently settle the leadership question remains to be seen. But for now, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are sending a strong message: Congress is united, and government work will not slow down.
