In a notable turn of events within the ongoing leadership struggle in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has invited his deputy, DK Shivakumar, for a breakfast meeting scheduled for Saturday. This invitation follows clear directives from the Congress high command for both leaders to engage in direct discussions. The initiative comes as the party seeks to alleviate mounting internal tensions; senior officials have publicly asserted that the Congress possesses the “sense of timing” necessary for an appropriate intervention.
Siddaramaiah confirmed the central leadership’s involvement when speaking with reporters, stating, “The party high command had called me and him (D K Shivkumar) and asked us to have a meeting. Hence, I have invited him for breakfast tomorrow. We will discuss when he comes.” He emphasized that there has been “no change in my stand,” and both leaders are committed to adhering to the high command’s directives. He added that he would be prepared to travel to Delhi if requested: “I will go to Delhi if the high command calls me.”
Shivakumar, who holds positions as both deputy chief minister and state Congress president, adopted a conciliatory yet measured approach regarding the leadership issue. He said, “I don’t want anything. I am not in a hurry. My party will take a decision.” He also acknowledged the possibility of traveling to the national capital before the Parliament’s winter session, which begins on December 1, citing numerous responsibilities, including meetings with Karnataka MPs regarding local projects. When questioned about a meeting with the high command, he emphasized the significance of Delhi: “Delhi is our temple. All of us have to go. Without Delhi, nothing can happen. Congress is a party with a long history, and it has always guided us.”
The calculus of the Congress high command remains a critical factor in this internal conflict. In statements that attracted attention, Minister Priyank Kharge, son of national Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, indicated that leadership in Delhi would intervene at the appropriate time: “The high command has the sense of timing. It will take a call, keeping in mind the right time.” He advised the media and the public against speculation, stating that any decision would only be made public following an invitation from Delhi.
Amid rising speculation over a potential mid-term rotation of the chief ministership, Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra rejected claims of internal discord, asserting, “There is no battle or skirmish… Since there is no confusion amongst us, I feel the media is into perception creation.” Discussing the rumored two-and-a-half-year power-sharing formula, he remarked, “No one knows whether any promise was made about leadership change after two-and-a-half years… So, it is not proper to speculate about it.” He suggested that discussions related to MLAs’ preferences should remain confidential within the party.
The opposition BJP has intensified its criticism as the Belagavi legislature session approaches. Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai hinted at possible parliamentary maneuvers: “There is time till December 8. If such a situation arises, the occasion to move a no-confidence motion may come.”
The upcoming breakfast meeting between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar is anticipated to be their first direct dialogue following ongoing political tensions surrounding leadership in Karnataka. With the Congress high command poised to act strategically, the state’s political environment remains dynamic. The results of this internal negotiation could significantly influence Karnataka’s governance as the 2026 election cycle approaches.
