In a bid to project an image of unity and quell persistent speculation regarding a change in leadership, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's residence for breakfast on December 2, 2025. This meeting marks the second of its kind in recent days, following Shivakumar's visit to Siddaramaiah's residence for breakfast on November 29.
The back-to-back breakfast meetings are widely seen as an effort orchestrated by the Congress high command to address the ongoing power tussle between the two leaders and stabilize the party, especially with the legislative session commencing on December 8. The meetings aim to project a sense of continuity under Siddaramaiah's leadership, at least for the time being.
After the initial breakfast meeting, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar publicly stated that there would be no confusion or differences between them. Siddaramaiah affirmed their unity and commitment to working together to face the 2028 assembly election. He also dismissed claims of dissent among ministers and MLAs within the ruling party. Shivakumar echoed these sentiments, asserting that there was no power struggle within the Karnataka government and emphasizing the unity of the Chief Minister, himself, and the entire state.
Despite these public displays of unity, the opposition BJP and JD(S) have expressed skepticism, questioning the "truce" and suggesting that genuine normalcy may be unattainable after months of tension between the two Congress leaders. BJP leader R Ashoka has pointed out the conflicting claims, with Siddaramaiah seemingly unwilling to relinquish his position and Shivakumar reportedly asserting that he was promised the CM post for half of the government's term.
Sources indicate that the menu for the first breakfast meeting included idli, vada, sambar, chutney, and uppittu. While the specific agenda for the upcoming meeting at Shivakumar's residence remains undisclosed, it is expected to involve discussions on key issues, including the Mekedatu project and the ongoing leadership chatter. Shivakumar has also indicated his intention to visit Delhi to meet with Union Ministers regarding the Mekedatu project before the Belagavi session.
The power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has been a subject of speculation, particularly since the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. This speculation was fueled by reports of a "power-sharing" agreement between the two leaders in 2023. The Congress high command's intervention and the subsequent breakfast meetings reflect a concerted effort to manage these tensions and maintain stability within the party.
