‘No rift’: Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar signal unity as leadership talk roils Karnataka Congress

Karnataka’s top leadership attempted to send a clear message of cohesion on Saturday morning as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met over an hour-long breakfast of idli-sambar and upma in Bengaluru. The meeting, held at the CM’s Cauvery residence, came at a time when speculation over internal differences and a possible leadership change had been doing the rounds in political circles.

After the meeting, both leaders struck an identical tone: whatever the Congress high command decides, they will follow, and there is “no rift” between them.

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Also Read: Karnataka leadership crisis: Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar share idli-sambar breakfast as decision nears

High command will decide, say both leaders

After the meeting, Siddaramaiah told reporters that there was “no confusion” within the party and that the two leaders would abide by the guidance of the central leadership.

He also brushed aside talk of a no-confidence motion.

“Whatever decision the high command takes, both of us will obey. There are no differences between DK Shivakumar and me… They (BJP and JDS) are saying that no no-confidence motion will be moved. We will face it,” said the Karnataka CM.

Shivakumar echoed the CM’s line, adding context on the issues discussed during the meeting.

When asked about the leadership chatter, he said, “As far as the leadership issue is concerned, we follow our party high command. Whatever they say is our decision. We have been loyal soldiers of the party.” He stressed that both leaders were focused on governance and preparing for the coming electoral cycle.

“We have worked together. The people of Karnataka have given us a massive mandate. It is our responsibility to fulfill all the promises we made to the people of Karnataka… Today, we discussed our strategy for the 2028 assembly elections and how to deal with the opposition. They may try to raise many issues. We are prepared to respond…”

ಮಾನ್ಯ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಅವರನ್ನು ಇಂದು ಅವರ ಕಾವೇರಿ ನಿವಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಭೇಟಿಯಾಗಿ ಉಪಾಹಾರ ಸಭೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು.

Met Hon’ble CM Shri @siddaramaiah avaru at Cauvery Residence this morning for a breakfast meeting. A productive discussion on Karnataka’s priorities and the road ahead. pic.x.com/qhe7q5RNvi

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 29, 2025

The Deputy CM also used the occasion to criticise the Centre for what he alleged was a lack of support on issues such as sugarcane and maize procurement, saying the state’s MPs must prioritise Karnataka’s interests in the winter session.

“…There are some big issues that the Parliament members need to raise in this (Winter) session. Whatever they (the central govt) have promised on sugarcane, maize issues and many other programs, they are not helping the state. The other day, the Chief Minister also met the Prime Minister and gave a representation. Yesterday, Dinesh also requested the Prime Minister on this issue. So we are going to tell our Parliament members, don’t waste your time. You are not helping the state government. You have to go together. If you are interested in the welfare of the state, then we should all go together.”

Breakfast optics prompt reactions

Congress General Secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal dismissed any suggestion of a crisis. Speaking to ANI, he said, “You can see what is happening in Karnataka, in Bengaluru. Nothing will happen. Congress will be united. They are together now in Bengaluru.”

Congress sources described the meeting as “routine but productive,” with the CM noting that KC Venugopal had asked him to call Shivakumar and AS Ponnanna for discussions.

Despite the repeated unity claims, the optics of the breakfast meeting triggered responses from the BJP, which alleged that the very need for such a meeting showed deep cracks within the government.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain described the meeting as a sign of “clear tension,” accusing the Congress leadership of encouraging rivalry between the CM and his deputy.

“The situation in Karnataka has escalated to the point where the Chief Minister needs to invite his Deputy Chief Minister for breakfast. There is clear tension; a conflict exists between the two. The Congress leadership appears to be deliberately stirring trouble, fostering rivalry between them. The Delhi court prioritises whoever pleases them the most. Their only goal is to garner praise.”

Hussain further alleged, “The Delhi Congress leadership is leveraging the Karnataka government: they told Siddaramaiah he’s the Chief Minister, informed DK Shivakumar he was about to be, and Kharge is also involved as the Congress President, who is from Karnataka and active in Karnataka politics. There is so much conflict that there’s no such thing as a government. The government isn’t functioning at all.”