Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to visit Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's residence today, December 2, for a breakfast meeting, marking the second such interaction in recent days amidst ongoing speculation about a change in leadership within the ruling Congress party. This follows Shivakumar's visit to Siddaramaiah's home for breakfast on Saturday, November 29, a meeting that was reportedly arranged at the direction of the Congress high command in Delhi.
The meetings are viewed as an attempt to project a united front and address the persistent rumors of a power struggle between the two leaders. After their initial meeting, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar publicly stated that there would be no confusion regarding the leadership issue and affirmed their commitment to abide by the party high command's decision.
However, the situation remains nuanced. While Shivakumar has described the breakfast meetings as a private matter "between brothers," emphasizing that there is no "groupism" within the government, the underlying tensions are palpable. Legislators close to Shivakumar have asserted that there was an understanding from the Congress high command to grant him the chief ministership for a portion of the government's term. Siddaramaiah, however, has refuted claims of any such agreement to share the term and has maintained that he intends to complete his full five-year tenure.
The Congress leadership in Delhi has reportedly initiated these meetings after months of competing claims from supporters of both leaders. It is expected that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will continue their negotiations and then communicate their understanding to the high command.
Shivakumar jokingly mentioned that the breakfast menu would include "Natti chicken," and clarified that a trip to Delhi had not yet been scheduled. He also affirmed that he, the Chief Minister, and the "entire state" remain united, while also acknowledging that he continues to seek guidance from the party's national leadership.
The timing of these meetings is significant, as the Karnataka legislature session is scheduled to begin on December 8 in Belagavi. The Congress high command is likely seeking to stabilize the party and project an image of continuity, at least for the time being.
Meanwhile, D.K. Suresh, Shivakumar's brother and a former Congress MP, reportedly traveled to Delhi recently to meet with Congress leaders, though he described it as a personal visit.
These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections, where the Congress party secured a significant victory. The current situation highlights the complexities of coalition politics and the challenges of managing leadership aspirations within a major political party. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of the Congress government in Karnataka and the roles of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in it.
