Bengaluru – November 29, 2025
In a move to quell mounting speculation over a leadership rift within the Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar shared a breakfast meeting at the CM's official residence on Saturday, emerging together to affirm their solidarity and commitment to the party's high command. The gathering, which featured a simple South Indian spread of idli, sambar, and vada, was orchestrated by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) as a deliberate step to project a united front ahead of the state legislature's winter session.
The breakfast, held at Siddaramaiah's home in Bengaluru, included the presence of the CM's legal advisor and MLA AS Ponnanna, and was facilitated by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal. What began as a routine meal quickly evolved into a public display of harmony, with the duo addressing the media jointly post-meal. Siddaramaiah downplayed any discord, stating, "We are united. There are no differences between me and Mr. Shivakumar. We have decided to listen to whatever the high command says. There is no controversy from tomorrow… There is none now either. But a section of the media has created the confusion." Shivakumar echoed the sentiment, adding, "We both worked together in the past and will work unitedly in the future too. We will abide by the high command’s decision.... There are no groups. The only group is Congress."
The meeting comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions within the Congress party's Karnataka unit, fueled by an alleged "secret" power-sharing agreement struck before the May 2023 assembly elections. Under the deal—known to a handful of top leaders—Siddaramaiah was to serve as CM for the first half of the term, paving the way for Shivakumar, the state Congress president, to take over. However, with Siddaramaiah showing no signs of stepping down, Shivakumar's camp has grown restive, leading to a flurry of MLAs lobbying in Delhi for Cabinet berths and leadership changes. Recent war-of-words exchanges and reports of factional lobbying prompted the high command's intervention, directing the leaders to meet and reaffirm their allegiance to party directives.
Both leaders emphasized that the discussions centered on bolstering party unity and preparing for upcoming electoral battles, rather than hashing out personal ambitions. "Today I am very happy; today CM and I had a breakfast meeting. Our objective is to strengthen the Congress and the government to retain power in the 2028 Assembly elections," Shivakumar remarked, expressing optimism about Karnataka's pivotal role in the party's national revival. Siddaramaiah added that they had strategized for the 2028 polls, local body elections, and even the 2029 Lok Sabha elections under AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, vowing to "repeat the mandate" from 2023.
The truce arrives at a critical juncture, just days before the Karnataka legislature convenes in Belagavi on December 8 for a two-week session. The opposition BJP, in alliance with JD(S), has announced plans for a no-confidence motion against the government, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement. Siddaramaiah dismissed the move as a "futile exercise," asserting that the Congress has devised countermeasures against "false allegations." He also clarified that recent Delhi visits by MLAs were tied to his announcement of a Cabinet reshuffle, not rebellion against the administration.
While the breakfast diplomacy has provided a temporary reprieve, analysts remain skeptical about its longevity. Sources within the party suggest the underlying standoff persists, with Shivakumar steadfast on his succession claim and Siddaramaiah's supporters pushing for continuity. The high command, still deliberating on the leadership issue, has bought time to navigate the impasse without immediate upheaval. As one party insider noted, this "idli-vada accord" may hold through the session, but deeper resolutions will be needed to sustain momentum toward 2028.
The display of camaraderie extended beyond words: Siddaramaiah announced plans to reciprocate by visiting Shivakumar's residence for lunch soon, signaling an intent to normalize relations. For now, the Karnataka Congress appears steadied, but the breakfast table's fragile peace will be tested in the halls of Belagavi.
TCO News will track further developments in this unfolding political saga.
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