Bengaluru, November 29, 2025 – The ongoing leadership speculation in Karnataka’s Congress party appears to have reached a temporary pause following a breakfast meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar. The two leaders addressed concerns over the alleged “rotational CM deal” and reiterated their commitment to working together ahead of the 2028 assembly elections and upcoming local body polls.

Breakfast Meeting to Resolve Impasse

The breakfast meeting, held at Siddaramaiah’s residence, was intended to clear the air over months of speculation regarding a rotational arrangement in the chief ministerial post between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Reports of differences had created uncertainty within the state Congress unit and stirred media attention, particularly after the party reached the midpoint of its five-year term on November 20, 2025.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Siddaramaiah clarified the situation, saying, “There are no differences between us and there will be no differences in the future. Our agenda is the 2028 elections. Local body elections are important. We discussed them. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections.”

He further emphasized that the discussions focused on working together, reinforcing unity within the state government. “We have decided that we will follow whatever the high command says. There will be no confusion from tomorrow. There is still no confusion. Some media reporters have created the confusion,” Siddaramaiah added.

Shivakumar Reaffirms Support

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar echoed the CM’s remarks, highlighting that both leaders were committed to working in tandem. “With the support of all of you, we have brought the Congress government and we are working as per our promise. The people of the state are giving their full support. We have to fulfill their wishes. We are working in that direction,” he said.

Shivakumar also reaffirmed that he would abide by the decisions of the Congress high command. “Whatever the high command says, we will follow that, and there is no group. Even now, we are working together. Whatever the CM said, I am with the CM,” he stated.

Background: Rotational CM Speculation

The question of a possible leadership change had been under discussion for nearly two months, driven by reports of a “secret agreement” within the party. According to speculations, Siddaramaiah was to remain chief minister for the first 2.5 years of the term, with Shivakumar taking over in the latter half. Siddaramaiah, however, had earlier asserted that he received a mandate to serve the full term. Shivakumar, in contrast, indicated that he had been promised the post midway under the supposed rotational arrangement.

The media buzz and lobbying by loyalists of both leaders intensified the speculation, prompting the Congress high command to monitor the situation closely.

High Command Involvement

A high-level meeting of Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, is expected to take place on Sunday, November 30. This meeting is anticipated to provide clarity on leadership issues and outline the party’s strategy for upcoming state elections and local body polls. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar emphasized their willingness to follow the high command’s directives, signaling that the central leadership’s guidance will be decisive in resolving the ongoing tussle.

Focus on Elections and Governance

Both leaders used the joint press conference to redirect attention towards governance and election preparation. The 2028 assembly elections and the local body polls are now being prioritized as the Congress seeks to consolidate its position in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah said, “Local body elections are important. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections.” Shivakumar reiterated, “The people of the state are giving their full support. We have to fulfill their wishes. We are working in that direction.”

Temporary Calm in Karnataka Politics

The meeting and the joint statements suggest a temporary truce, with both leaders publicly demonstrating unity. Analysts believe that while the immediate tensions have eased, the final resolution will depend on the decisions of the Congress high command.

The press conference concluded with both leaders emphasizing that there are no internal factions and that all efforts will be directed toward strengthening the party ahead of elections. This messaging aims to reassure party workers, supporters, and voters that the state leadership is focused on governance and electoral strategy rather than internal conflict.

In summary, the breakfast meeting between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar appears to have temporarily defused the leadership crisis, with both leaders signaling cooperation and deference to the central high command. While speculation over the rotational CM deal continues in media circles, the public display of unity and commitment to elections suggests that Karnataka Congress is aiming to present a cohesive front in the run-up to 2028.