Karnataka Power Tussle: Shivakumar Meets Siddaramaiah for Breakfast
Amidst a palpable power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy, D.K. Shivakumar, convened for a crucial breakfast meeting on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The meeting, held at Siddaramaiah's residence in Bengaluru, was an attempt to ease tensions that have been escalating within the party, particularly over the Chief Minister's position.
The breakfast meeting occurred against the backdrop of increasing speculation regarding a potential leadership change in Karnataka. Sources suggest a possible power-sharing agreement was made in 2023, stipulating that Shivakumar would assume the Chief Minister's role after the government completed half its term. With that milestone reached on November 20, the pressure has intensified.
Both leaders have publicly affirmed their commitment to adhering to the decisions of the party high command. Siddaramaiah stated he invited Shivakumar for breakfast after the high command suggested they meet to resolve their differences amicably. He reiterated his willingness to accept whatever decision the high command makes. Shivakumar echoed this sentiment, pledging his loyalty to the party and acceptance of the high command's guidance on the leadership issue.
In recent days, subtle jabs and veiled comments between the two leaders on social media have added fuel to the fire, increasing pressure on the party leadership to intervene and find a resolution. Shivakumar, in a cryptic statement, alluded to the significance of "power" and keeping promises, while Siddaramaiah countered by suggesting that true power lies in actions that benefit the world.
The meeting was arranged on the advice of the party high command. Following the breakfast meeting, Shivakumar is expected to travel to Delhi to consult with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. Legal advisor to the CM AS Ponnanna was also present.
The opposition BJP has been closely monitoring the situation and has cautioned that it may move a no-confidence motion if the power struggle continues. The BJP also raised the possibility of a "dark horse" candidate emerging amidst the ongoing uncertainty.
Priyank Kharge, son of party chief Mallikarjuna Kharge, said that the Congress had the 'sense of timing' to resolve issues.
The outcome of the breakfast meeting and Shivakumar's subsequent discussions in Delhi remain to be seen. The Congress party faces the challenge of resolving the leadership question in a manner that maintains unity and stability within its Karnataka government.
