Bengaluru, November 29, 2025 – In a high-profile political development in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for a breakfast discussion at the latter’s official residence on Saturday, in a bid to address the growing leadership tussle within the state Congress government. The meeting, which was closely watched by party leaders, political analysts, and the media, comes against the backdrop of ongoing speculation over an alleged “rotational chief minister” arrangement between the two senior leaders.

The question of a possible change in leadership had been simmering for the past two months but intensified after November 20, when the Congress government completed two and a half years of its five-year term. Siddaramaiah has consistently maintained that he was given a mandate by voters to serve as Chief Minister for the full term, while Shivakumar has pointed to assurances reportedly made in 2023 that he would assume the chief ministerial position midway through the term under a rotational arrangement. This divergence in expectations led to mounting political tension, which ultimately prompted intervention by the Congress high command.

Sources told Hindustan Times that the high command, which includes senior leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, instructed both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to settle the matter through a personal discussion. Acting on this guidance, Siddaramaiah invited his deputy to his official residence for a breakfast meeting, aimed at resolving the impasse and providing clarity to party members and supporters alike.

Shivakumar, prior to attending the meeting, refrained from making any public comments, indicating the sensitivity of the situation. He chose to speak only after leaving the Chief Minister’s residence. First visuals from the meeting, shared through media and social platforms, show the two leaders seated across a breakfast table, engaged in conversation, projecting a sense of cordiality even as the underlying political tension remained palpable.

Reports indicate that the breakfast discussion concluded without a definitive breakthrough. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar reportedly adhered to their respective positions, with neither leader appearing to shift from their earlier stance. However, sources familiar with the meeting revealed that Siddaramaiah conveyed a message to Shivakumar that he should take over the chief ministerial role after the next Assembly elections in 2028. This move appears to be an attempt to balance political expectations while allowing Siddaramaiah to complete his current term.

The roots of the leadership tussle trace back to 2023, following the Congress victory in the state Assembly elections. At that time, Shivakumar was appointed Deputy Chief Minister, reportedly under a “power-sharing” or “rotational chief minister” deal. The arrangement, as described in various reports, envisaged that Shivakumar would assume the top post after Siddaramaiah completed half of his five-year tenure. While the details of the agreement were never formally codified, it has long been cited as the basis for the current debate over leadership succession.

Political analysts note that such rotational arrangements, while common in coalition or factionally complex setups, can lead to friction if expectations are not clearly aligned or if public statements by party leaders are interpreted differently. In Karnataka, where internal party dynamics often involve balancing regional, caste-based, and factional interests, the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar situation exemplifies the delicate nature of intra-party negotiations.

With the Congress high command closely monitoring the developments, a high-stakes meeting of senior party leaders is scheduled for Sunday, November 30. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge are reportedly expected to participate in a Strategy Group meeting to deliberate on the Karnataka leadership issue ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament. According to news agency ANI, the objective of the high command’s intervention is to ensure unity within the state unit, prevent public perception of discord, and chart a clear path forward that accommodates both senior leaders while maintaining party cohesion.

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly reiterated their commitment to the party’s decisions. Insiders suggest that while the breakfast meeting did not yield immediate resolution, it served as a necessary platform for dialogue, signaling willingness on both sides to work within the framework provided by the high command. Political observers note that the discussions also allow the Congress leadership to evaluate options for succession planning, regional representation, and electoral strategy in the lead-up to the 2028 Assembly elections.

The broader implications of the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar dynamic extend beyond the immediate leadership question. Analysts highlight that the state government’s governance record, policy initiatives, and public welfare programs could be affected if internal tensions persist. By facilitating direct communication between the two leaders, the party seeks to maintain administrative stability while addressing factional expectations within its ranks.

The media coverage of the breakfast meet underscores the heightened public and political interest in Karnataka’s leadership equation. Political commentators have pointed out that the visual imagery of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar seated together conveys a sense of decorum and civility, even amidst disagreement, which could be crucial in managing public perception and mitigating intra-party conflict.

Observers also note that the rotational CM arrangement, though not formally documented, has been a recurring point of discussion within the Congress high command. While the arrangement was originally intended to balance influence between the two senior leaders, the passage of time and differing interpretations of the agreement have contributed to friction. The high command’s role is now pivotal in ensuring that both sides feel fairly treated while upholding party unity and electoral prospects.

As Karnataka approaches the midway mark of the current legislative term, the resolution of this leadership tussle will have implications for governance, policy continuity, and electoral strategy. The Congress party’s ability to manage internal differences, communicate effectively with the public, and present a united front will be closely scrutinized by political opponents and analysts alike.

In conclusion, the breakfast meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar represents a critical moment in Karnataka’s political landscape. While no immediate resolution emerged from the discussions, Siddaramaiah’s proposal for Shivakumar to assume the chief ministerial role after the 2028 Assembly elections indicates a possible framework for reconciling differing expectations. With the Congress high command set to deliberate on the matter in the coming days, the focus will remain on maintaining party unity, managing intra-party dynamics, and ensuring administrative stability in Karnataka. The developments highlight the intricate balance of leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning that defines the functioning of state-level politics within the Congress framework.