Unity Displayed at CM's Residence
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar convened for a breakfast meeting at the Chief Minister's official residence, 'Kaveri', in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The high-profile meeting was a direct result of a directive from the Congress high command, aimed at addressing persistent reports of a power struggle within the state unit of the party.
During the meeting, which reportedly included traditional South Indian dishes such as idli, vada, and sambar, the leaders were joined by A.S. Ponnanna, legal adviser to the CM and Virajpet MLA.
High Command's Intervention and Power Tussle Context
The meeting followed an intervention by the Congress central leadership, with Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal reportedly instructing the leaders to resolve their differences and present a united front. The underlying tension stems from an alleged power-sharing agreement made after the 2023 Assembly elections, which suggested a rotational Chief Ministership, with D.K. Shivakumar potentially taking over after Siddaramaiah completed half of the five-year term. This speculation intensified as the Congress government recently completed its 2.5-year mark.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had previously acknowledged the existence of a power struggle and indicated that the high command would deliberate on the issue. Supporters of D.K. Shivakumar were reportedly lobbying in Delhi to press for his elevation to the top post.
Statements on Unity and Future Strategy
Following the breakfast, both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed the media, publicly asserting their unity and dismissing rumors of a rift. Siddaramaiah stated, 'There are no differences between DK Shivakumar and me…' and claimed that reports of a tussle were 'media creation'. Shivakumar echoed this sentiment, affirming their commitment to working together.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to abide by any decision made by the Congress high command regarding leadership. Discussions during the meeting also focused on strategies for the upcoming 2028 Assembly elections, local body elections, and how to effectively counter the opposition during the winter session of the state legislature, scheduled to commence on December 8.
Lingering Questions
Despite the public display of solidarity, some political observers suggest that the core issue of a rotational Chief Minister arrangement may remain unresolved, indicating that the truce could be temporary. The meeting, however, served to ease immediate political tensions and project a unified front ahead of crucial legislative sessions and future electoral challenges.
7 Comments
BuggaBoom
A temporary truce at best. The rotational CM issue hasn't magically disappeared.
Loubianka
Excellent move by the high command. This shows strong leadership and commitment.
KittyKat
The commitment to abide by the high command's decision is positive, indicating some deference to party discipline. Yet, the article highlights lingering questions, suggesting that the fundamental issue of leadership ambition is far from resolved.
Africa
Pure political theater. The power struggle is clearly still simmering.
Habibi
Glad they're focusing on governance. Media loves to stir up trouble where there is none.
Coccinella
Relieved to see them put differences aside. Karnataka deserves united leadership.
Muchacha
It's good that they are discussing future election strategies and countering the opposition, but if the leadership issue isn't genuinely settled, these plans could easily be undermined. The core problem remains.