Siddu and DKS projected unity over breakfast even as internal rivalry over Karnataka’s leadership continues to intensify ahead of the winter session of Parliament
BY PC Bureau
November 29, 2025: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held breakfast together at the CM’s Bengaluru residence on Saturday, in what is being seen as an important attempt at cooling tempers amid an intensifying leadership tussle within the Congress. The two leaders were photographed sharing plates of upma, idli and kesari bath — a classic Karnataka breakfast spread — a carefully calibrated image aimed at signalling unity during a moment of heightened political scrutiny.
Siddaramaiah posted the photo on X, saying the two had a “brief discussion,” while Shivakumar described the meeting as a “productive discussion” focused on the state’s priorities and “the road ahead.” Their choice to publicly display cordiality comes at a time when internal rumblings about a possible change in leadership have gathered momentum, with both leaders’ camps becoming increasingly assertive.
Bengaluru, Karnataka: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah says, “We had breakfast together and did not discuss anything specific. DK came home and we all had breakfast together. A day before yesterday, Venugopal had called and suggested inviting DK Shivakumar for breakfast and DK was… pic.twitter.com/qEbbPQVV5d
— IANS (@ians_india) November 29, 2025
High Command’s Intervention
The breakfast meeting was prompted by a clear directive from the Congress high command, which stepped in to defuse the growing unrest between the two senior Karnataka leaders. “The high command had called both of us and told us to meet and talk,” Siddaramaiah said ahead of the meeting. “So I invited him for breakfast. When he comes, we will discuss everything.”
Party sources said the central leadership had expressed concern that the dispute was beginning to overshadow governance and risk undermining the party’s stability in one of its strongest states.
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Parameshwara Downplays Tensions
Senior Congress leader and Home Minister G. Parameshwara sought to minimise the perception of crisis, saying the party’s leadership was “fully capable of resolving the issue” and that there was “no reason for concern.”
He added that ambitions were natural in politics and that “supporters of every leader will have expectations. Some may want Siddaramaiah, some may want Shivakumar, some may even want me as Chief Minister. But ultimately, the high command will take the final call.”
Roots of the Power Tussle
The leadership dispute in Karnataka has simmered since the Congress’s sweeping win in the 2023 Assembly elections. Although Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister and Shivakumar as Deputy Chief Minister, reports at the time suggested the two had agreed to a power-sharing formula, with a mid-term rotation.
The party never publicly confirmed such an arrangement, but as Siddaramaiah completes 2.5 years in office, Shivakumar’s supporters have intensified their demand for him to be elevated to the top post, citing what they claim was the original understanding.
Shivakumar, who played a pivotal role in the 2023 victory through both organisational mobilisation and resource management, has maintained that he is “in no hurry” and that “the party will decide everything.” Siddaramaiah, on the other hand, has repeatedly stated that he intends to complete the full term.
Stakes for Congress
The issue has become increasingly delicate for the Congress high command, which relies on Karnataka as its most significant political and financial stronghold after electoral setbacks in several states. Any instability could directly affect the party’s national strategy ahead of the 2028 polls and the ongoing parliamentary session.
A cabinet reshuffle is also on the horizon, giving the central leadership yet another decision point: retain Siddaramaiah for stability or elevate Shivakumar to balance internal aspirations and strengthen the party’s organisational core.
Moily’s Warning
Adding to the pressure, senior leader and former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily criticised the party’s central leadership for not containing the tensions earlier. He warned that the prolonged infighting could “seriously damage” the party’s long-term prospects in Karnataka if not addressed immediately.
“Unity cannot be compromised,” Moily said, urging swift, decisive action from the party command.
What Next
The Congress high command is expected to take up the Karnataka crisis during the Congress Strategy Group meeting on November 30 in New Delhi, ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament. Party insiders say the leadership is weighing several options but is keen to avoid any abrupt changes that might deepen factional divides.
For now, the breakfast meeting serves as a carefully staged gesture of harmony. Whether it translates into lasting calm — or merely buys time — will become clear in the days ahead as the Congress high command deliberates its next move.
