Amidst speculation of discord, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar offered 'baagina' to the Kabini River on Sunday, July 20, 2025. The ritual, a traditional offering of gratitude, was performed as the river, a tributary of the Cauvery, flows at full capacity. This public display was seen as a symbolic gesture of unity between the two leaders.

The offering occurred a day after controversy arose from a Congress event in Mysuru called 'sadhana samavesha'. During the event, attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah omitted Shivakumar's name while acknowledging dignitaries. This perceived snub fueled criticism and speculation, especially since Shivakumar left early to travel to Delhi.

When a Congress leader prompted Siddaramaiah to acknowledge his deputy, the Chief Minister stated that "protocol required acknowledging only those present on the dais". The BJP quickly seized on the perceived slight, calling it an insult to Shivakumar and suggesting a rift within the Congress leadership. Siddaramaiah dismissed the BJP's claims as "political mischief", clarifying that Shivakumar had informed everyone of his departure for Delhi. He questioned how it could be an insult to not name someone who had already left, accusing the BJP of trying to create a rift for political gain.

Shivakumar also downplayed the incident, joking that the BJP leaders seemed to have "too much love" for him. He explained that his departure was pre-planned and communicated in advance.

The 'baagina' ritual itself involves offering items such as a saree, blouse fabric, flowers, fruits, bangles, turmeric-vermilion, and rice, all placed on a bamboo tray. After the offering at the Kabini Dam in Beechanahalli, H.D. Kote taluk, Mysuru district, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar paid homage at the Cauvery statue.

The tradition of offering 'bagina' at Karnataka's reservoirs dates back to 1979, initiated by then Chief Minister Devaraj Urs. Siddaramaiah made history on June 30, 2025, by becoming the first Karnataka Chief Minister to perform the ritual in June, as the KRS reservoir reached full capacity unusually early in the year. The reservoir typically reaches full capacity and releases water in July, August, or September. Last year, on July 29, Siddaramaiah, along with Shivakumar and other ministers, offered bagina at the KRS Dam.