Bengaluru, November 30, 2025 – In an attempt to dispel growing speculations about internal strife within Karnataka’s Congress leadership, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar convened a breakfast meeting on Saturday morning, projecting an image of unity while emphasizing their commitment to work together for the state’s political future. The meeting, which was reportedly organized at the behest of the Congress high command, comes amid ongoing rumors of a leadership tussle, particularly over the Chief Minister’s post, and ahead of the crucial 2028 assembly elections and upcoming local body polls.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Siddaramaiah said, “I had a breakfast meeting with Shivakumar because some unwanted confusion was created. It was created by the media. We don’t have differences. Even today there are no differences, there won’t be any in future as well. From tomorrow, there will be no confusion. Even now, none exists.” His remarks were aimed at quelling the persistent speculation about a purported disagreement between the two senior leaders, a narrative that has dominated state political discourse over the past few weeks.

The breakfast meeting was organized days after both leaders had engaged in a figurative exchange of words regarding promises and power sharing within the party. Shivakumar had earlier alluded to a so-called “secret deal” anchored by the Congress high command after the party came to power in Karnataka in 2023. The deal, according to his supporters, stipulated that Siddaramaiah would relinquish the Chief Minister’s post to Shivakumar after completing two-and-a-half years in office. Siddaramaiah completed this tenure on November 20, 2025, prompting renewed assertions from Shivakumar’s camp that it was time to honor the agreement.

Despite these longstanding tensions, both leaders emphasized that the discussion during Saturday’s meeting focused primarily on long-term political planning rather than immediate power struggles. Siddaramaiah stated that he and Shivakumar had discussed the strategy for the 2028 assembly elections and the forthcoming local body polls, underscoring their mutual commitment to ensure that the Congress returns to power in Karnataka. “Just as we worked together in 2023, we have decided to move forward together,” he said, reiterating the importance of collective effort and party unity.

Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress president, echoed Siddaramaiah’s remarks, stressing that the party is free of factionalism. He stated, “We don’t have factionalism. We will go together, take everyone along, and abide by the party high command.” According to him, the discussion also covered tactical responses to opposition strategies, including ways to handle a potential no-confidence motion in the upcoming winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in Belagavi. “The party is in a very difficult stage in the country. We still have the confidence that Karnataka will play a major role in its revival. And we will repeat in 2028 the 2023 poll victory,” Shivakumar said, projecting optimism about the party’s electoral prospects despite ongoing speculation and criticism from rival political parties.

The Congress high command had reportedly instructed both leaders to resolve any misunderstandings before the assembly session, and Siddaramaiah confirmed that they had agreed to act in accordance with the leadership’s directions. He further added that the arrangement reached during the meeting would soon be conveyed to Delhi. Beyond election strategies, Siddaramaiah also addressed speculation surrounding visits of several legislators to the national capital. “Some legislators may have visited Delhi regarding cabinet reshuffle issues. That should not be interpreted differently. Some of them have said they went for that reason,” he clarified, aiming to downplay suggestions of behind-the-scenes negotiations over the Chief Minister’s post.

While the meeting was presented as a demonstration of harmony and political maturity, the opposition was quick to question the authenticity of the unity being displayed. BJP leader R. Ashoka criticized the Congress leadership for what he described as a staged “truce,” alleging that underlying tensions remain unresolved. According to Ashoka, “Rather than a Breakfast Meeting, it should be called a truce meeting between the commanders of two warring factions constantly throwing barbs at each other and sharpening their knives on a daily basis. The show of unity is devoid of any genuine friendship.” He argued that while Siddaramaiah may be unwilling to relinquish his position, Shivakumar has repeatedly asserted his claim to the Chief Minister’s post, creating a complex scenario that cannot be resolved merely through a symbolic breakfast.

The JD(S) also weighed in, with union minister and party second-in-command HD Kumaraswamy making light of the proceedings. He commented, “We don’t know how many people would have turned mad after seeing their drama,” implying that the public display of cordiality may be more performative than reflective of actual agreement between the two leaders. Both Ashoka and Kumaraswamy’s remarks suggest that rival parties view the Congress display of unity with skepticism, interpreting it as a tactical maneuver aimed at managing public perception rather than a substantive resolution of the leadership question.

Insiders familiar with the developments noted that, although the Congress high command had directed Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to find a solution to the standoff over the Chief Minister’s post, no concrete decision was reached during Saturday’s breakfast. “Both parties stuck to their demands and no progress was made,” said one source familiar with the meeting. This indicates that while outward appearances suggest unity and cooperation, the underlying issue of succession may still be unresolved, leaving room for further speculation and political maneuvering in the weeks ahead.

The meeting underscores the delicate balancing act faced by the Congress leadership in Karnataka. The party must manage internal power dynamics while simultaneously preparing for critical upcoming elections. For Siddaramaiah, maintaining control over the Chief Minister’s post while presenting a collaborative front with his deputy is essential to projecting stability to both the electorate and party members. For Shivakumar, asserting his claims while publicly demonstrating willingness to cooperate is a strategic move aimed at preserving political capital within the party and positioning himself for future leadership opportunities.

Beyond internal party dynamics, the meeting also highlighted the challenges of managing opposition scrutiny. Both the BJP and JD(S) continue to monitor Congress developments closely, seeking to exploit any perceived cracks in leadership to strengthen their own political positions. BJP’s allegations regarding unfulfilled promises and JD(S)’s commentary on the theatrical nature of the event reflect a broader narrative in Karnataka politics, where internal rivalries are often leveraged by opposing parties to create uncertainty and influence public perception.

Analysts suggest that the Congress leadership is attempting to strike a balance between public reassurance and internal negotiation. By publicly emphasizing unity and commitment to collective goals, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar aim to mitigate factionalism and stabilize the party’s image. Simultaneously, behind-the-scenes negotiations are likely ongoing, as both leaders and the high command assess the timing and manner in which the succession issue will be addressed.

In conclusion, Saturday’s breakfast meeting between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar served as a symbolic gesture of unity intended to project harmony and political stability within the state Congress. Both leaders highlighted their commitment to collaborate on electoral strategies and adhere to directives from the party high command. However, opposition leaders from the BJP and JD(S) remained critical, questioning the sincerity of the truce and suggesting that unresolved tensions may continue to influence state politics. While the meeting temporarily calmed speculation and created an image of cooperation, insiders indicate that no formal resolution was reached on the contentious issue of the Chief Minister’s post. The developments underscore the complex interplay between leadership ambitions, party cohesion, and electoral strategy in Karnataka, illustrating the intricate dynamics that shape political narratives in the state.