BENGALURU: In a display of renewed solidarity, Karnataka Chief Minister M. Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar met for a second breakfast meeting on Tuesday, underlining their intent to remain aligned amid ongoing speculation about a leadership change within the state Congress government. The meeting, held at Shivakumar’s residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru, comes at a critical juncture as the state braces for the winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly beginning on December 8 in Belagavi.

The gathering, which lasted around 45 minutes, was seen as part of the ongoing efforts to project unity and dispel narratives of factionalism that have gained traction in recent weeks. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Siddaramaiah emphasised that both leaders were on the same page regarding the direction of the government and the party, stating, “I and D. K. Shivakumar will always remain as brothers. We are in the same party, follow one ideology, and will work together in the 2028 Legislative Assembly elections.” He reiterated that both he and the deputy chief minister would follow the directives of the Congress high command, led by Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge, on all issues related to the leadership and governance of Karnataka.

This second breakfast meeting comes only a few days after Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar shared a meal on November 29 at the chief minister’s official residence, in an arrangement reportedly facilitated by Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal. The first meeting was convened amid reports of growing friction between the two leaders and speculation about a “rotational chief minister” arrangement, where Shivakumar was anticipated to assume the chief ministerial post after half of Siddaramaiah’s term. Despite such speculation, both meetings have underscored a message of unity and commitment to party directives, signaling that the Karnataka leadership is intent on presenting a cohesive front in the run-up to the winter session.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the leaders reportedly discussed several pressing matters, including the anticipated no-confidence motion likely to be tabled against the government by opposition parties Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)]. Siddaramaiah noted that he and Shivakumar plan to lead an all-party delegation to Delhi on December 8 to meet Karnataka MPs, a move aimed at briefing them on key state issues and ensuring a coordinated response to legislative challenges. “Me and Shivakumar would take an all-party delegation to Delhi on December 8 to meet all Karnataka MPs to brief them about issues of the state,” Siddaramaiah said, emphasizing the need for cooperation among legislators and party leaders in addressing state governance matters.

Shivakumar, for his part, highlighted that the meeting was an opportunity to review legislative strategy, government functioning, and broader party concerns. He underscored that decisions regarding a cabinet reshuffle or any potential change in government leadership would be determined solely by the Congress high command. Posting on social media, he described the breakfast as an occasion to “reaffirm our commitment to good governance and the continued development of our State under the Congress vision,” signaling a proactive approach to managing public perception and internal party dynamics.

Sources within the Congress party indicate that the central leadership has been closely monitoring developments in Karnataka, particularly amid circulating reports of factional tensions and leadership ambitions. While no formal decisions regarding the leadership of the state government have been announced, the high command has reportedly advised both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to resolve differences internally and project a united front, particularly as the winter session approaches. Observers suggest that such unity is crucial for the Congress to effectively manage legislative business, address opposition challenges, and maintain its political standing in the state ahead of future elections.

Siddaramaiah, speaking after the breakfast meeting, also indicated his readiness to step aside if directed by the party leadership, reflecting a willingness to prioritise party interests over personal ambitions. “Both of us will accept the decision taken by the party, especially Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge,” he said, reinforcing the message that ultimate authority on leadership matters rests with the Congress high command. This statement comes amid ongoing speculation about the timing and circumstances under which Shivakumar might assume greater responsibility within the state government, particularly regarding the chief ministerial role.

The meetings between the two leaders, particularly the informal breakfast gatherings, are part of a broader strategy by the party high command to address internal tensions and ensure smooth functioning of the Karnataka government. Analysts note that such interactions are intended to strengthen personal rapport, build mutual understanding, and facilitate collaborative decision-making at a time when both administrative and political challenges are mounting. With Karnataka’s political landscape being closely watched nationally, the high command’s intervention appears aimed at preempting potential crises and ensuring continuity in governance.

In addition to leadership and legislative matters, the discussions between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar also reportedly touched upon issues related to governance and development priorities, including state infrastructure, farmers’ concerns, and water resource management. These discussions are indicative of a dual approach, wherein leaders aim to address immediate administrative challenges while also maintaining political stability. The planned delegation to Delhi on December 8, involving all Karnataka MPs, is expected to provide an opportunity to present state concerns at the national level, while simultaneously reinforcing the unity and discipline of the state Congress unit.

Congress insiders further revealed that the party leadership in Delhi is likely to call both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for consultations after the conclusion of the current Parliament session on December 19. By that time, the Belagavi session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly will have concluded, allowing for more focused deliberations on both governance issues and internal party arrangements. Officially, these discussions are expected to cover subjects such as farmer welfare, water resource management, and legislative priorities, though sources acknowledge that internal leadership negotiations will inevitably be a significant part of the agenda.

The high command’s engagement with the Karnataka leadership highlights the delicate balancing act required to manage internal party dynamics while ensuring effective governance. With the state’s political environment marked by competitive opposition and media scrutiny, the meetings between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are strategically significant in projecting a stable, unified leadership capable of navigating challenges both within the party and in the state assembly.

Political analysts suggest that the apparent willingness of both leaders to follow directives from the Congress high command reflects an understanding of the broader imperatives of party cohesion and electoral strategy. By emphasizing alignment with the central leadership, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar aim to mitigate perceptions of rivalry and demonstrate a commitment to collaborative governance. This approach is particularly relevant in Karnataka, where the Congress must manage opposition pressures, intra-party ambitions, and public expectations simultaneously.

As Karnataka prepares for the upcoming winter session of the legislature, the partnership between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will be closely monitored by both party insiders and political observers. The outcomes of their internal deliberations and coordination efforts are likely to influence legislative strategy, responses to opposition motions, and broader political messaging. By projecting unity, the Congress leadership seeks to present a stable front, maintain public confidence, and ensure that governance and policy priorities continue without disruption.

In conclusion, the second breakfast meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar represents more than a ceremonial display of camaraderie. It underscores a conscious effort to navigate internal party dynamics, adhere to directives from the Congress high command, and reinforce collaborative governance in Karnataka. By emphasizing alignment, mutual respect, and commitment to party decisions, both leaders are signalling that internal differences will be subordinated to broader party objectives and state interests. With the high command poised to provide further guidance in the coming weeks, the evolving relationship between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will remain a key factor in Karnataka’s political landscape, shaping the state’s governance and legislative agenda through the remainder of the current term.