Unity breakfast: CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM Shivakumar ease tensions

In a renewed show of unity amid brewing tensions within the Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday visited Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s Sadashivanagar residence for breakfast just days after their earlier meeting at the CM’s official Cauvery residence aimed at containing the escalating leadership tussle.

Siddaramaiah was received by Shivakumar and his brother, former Congress MP D K Suresh. Kunigal MLA H D Ranganath, a relative of Shivakumar, also joined the meeting, which reportedly featured a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Following the meeting, Shivakumar posted on X that the Hon’ble CM had been hosted for breakfast at his residence and that a reaffirmation had been made of their commitment to good governance and the continued development of the state under the Congress vision.

The visit is being viewed as a reciprocal gesture, coming three days after Shivakumar called on the Chief Minister for a similar breakfast interaction. However, party insiders say both meetings were held on the instructions of the Congress high command, which has been attempting to ease the strain between the two leaders.

Amid intensifying speculation over a possible change of leadership after the government crossed its halfway mark on November 20, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly attempted to defuse tensions. On Monday, it was stated by Shivakumar that he and the CM were working like brothers, that no groups were present within the state Congress, and that the media was being blamed for creating confusion.

Following the first breakfast meeting on Saturday, the discussions were described by Shivakumar as productive, focusing on Karnataka’s priorities and the road ahead. Siddaramaiah’s stance, however, was reiterated by him, with it being stated that no confusion would arise. Both leaders maintained that adherence would be shown to whatever decision the party high command takes regarding the leadership issue.

The latest interactions come against the backdrop of a long-simmering debate over a purported 2023 power-sharing agreement under which Shivakumar’s supporters claim he should take over as Chief Minister for the remaining 2.5 years of the government’s term. The speculation has triggered visible factional activity within the party, prompting the high command to intervene and initiate repeated “unity meetings.”

For now, Tuesday’s display of camaraderie is seen as a signal that Siddaramaiah will continue as Chief Minister at least until the Belagavi legislature session beginning December 8.

Reacting to the meeting, Home Minister G Parameshwara who is also considered by some as a potential contender for the CM’s post welcomed the development and voiced optimism that the crisis was being resolved.

It was said by him that it was a good thing that the leaders were getting together again for breakfast and that a peaceful settlement was desired regarding whatever had happened over the past month.

He added that the two meetings had been held as suggested by the high command and that all issues were settled, calling the interaction purely reciprocal.

Parameshwara noted that Siddaramaiah had earlier invited Shivakumar and now the gesture had been reciprocated, calling the development positive and saying everything was moving smoothly. He added that not being invited was routine, pointing out that CLP meetings are usually followed by dinner and there was nothing unusual. On suggestions that he should be the next Chief Minister, he said different leaders have aspirations and such desires are natural.

The messaging from both breakfast meetings indicates a coordinated push by the Congress high command to cool tensions and project unity amid internal friction. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have reaffirmed their commitment to cohesion and agreed to follow the high command’s decisions. Yet, despite these displays of harmony, the underlying leadership tussle remains unresolved, making each meeting politically significant.