“Siddaramaiah Hosts Shivakumar for Breakfast Amid Karnataka Political Power Struggle”

Siddaramaiah Hosts Shivakumar for Breakfast Amid Karnataka Leadership Tussle.

Amid ongoing speculation over the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka, CM Siddaramaiah hosted Deputy CM DK Shivakumar for breakfast on Saturday, aiming to ease tensions and address the party’s internal power struggle. The meeting follows intervention by the Congress high command, which asked both leaders to discuss and resolve differences.

AS Ponnanna, legal advisor to the CM, was also present. After the meeting, Shivakumar is scheduled to travel to Delhi to meet senior party leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

A photo from the breakfast showing the two leaders sharing upma, idli, and sambar quickly circulated, signaling cordial relations. Both leaders described the meeting as productive:

Siddaramaiah on X called it a “brief discussion.”

Shivakumar said they discussed “Karnataka’s priorities and future plans.”

Before the meeting, Shivakumar declined to comment, reaffirming his loyalty to the Congress and stating that leadership decisions would be made by the high command. Siddaramaiah maintained his stance, emphasizing he would accept whatever the high command decides.

Karnataka Power Tussle: Background

The leadership debate in Karnataka has intensified, with factions pushing for their preferred candidate for the CM post. Siddaramaiah, who has completed 2.5 years in office, assumed the role after the 2023 Assembly election victory, reportedly under an informal power-sharing arrangement.

While Siddaramaiah has affirmed his intention to complete his term, Shivakumar remains a frontrunner for any potential leadership change. Other leaders, including Home Minister G Parameshwara, have also shown interest.

A Cabinet reshuffle is expected soon, leaving the Congress high command to decide whether Siddaramaiah will continue ahead of the 2028 polls or Shivakumar will take over. Senior leader Veerappa Moily has criticized the central leadership, warning that ongoing discord could hurt the party’s prospects in Karnataka.