New Delhi, Nov 29 : The Karnataka leadership dispute continued to dominate state politics on Saturday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met for a closed door breakfast meeting an interaction quietly facilitated by the Congress high command, which wants the two leaders to resolve differences before heading to Delhi.
The meeting is being seen as the first serious attempt to cool tempers after weeks of pointed remarks, internal lobbying and growing speculation over whether the chief minister’s post should rotate midway through the term.
Siddaramaiah repeated his familiar stance, saying he would abide by whatever the high command decides, while Shivakumar also maintained that leadership decisions rest solely with the party.
High Command Seeks Clarity Before Delhi Discussions
The meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s official residence under tightened security. A few ministers perceived to be close to Siddaramaiah were also seen entering the premises, fuelling speculation that the CM wants clarity on internal support before meeting central leaders.
Sources said the Congress leadership instructed both men to speak face to face first, to avoid carrying mixed signals to Delhi. Shivakumar, who had planned to travel on Friday, postponed his trip after receiving instructions from the high command.
If both leaders find common ground, a joint trip to Delhi may not be required. Otherwise, both may be summoned on Sunday for a meeting expected to be chaired by Sonia Gandhi. Party general secretary KC Venugopal, who has been in touch with both camps, has emphasised the need for a quick resolution, especially with the winter session of Parliament beginning on December 1.
Community Pressure and Cryptic Messaging Add to Unease
Pressure mounted on Friday when Vokkaliga seer Nanjavadutha Swamiji visited Shivakumar’s residence, openly backing him and stating that the community had hoped to see him become chief minister. The remarks injected a strong social dimension into the already heated Karnataka leadership dispute.
Adding to the tension, both leaders recently shared cryptic posts online. Siddaramaiah wrote, “A word is not power unless it betters the world,” while Shivakumar responded with, “Word power is world power.” These posts further indicated that neither side wants to appear to be yielding ground.
Senior Congress leaders have expressed concern over the prolonged standoff. Former Union minister M Veerappa Moily criticised the delay in intervention from the high command, saying the situation had caused unnecessary embarrassment for the party.
Delhi Awaits Resolution, Not More Turbulence
Both leaders cancelled their routine Saturday engagements. After the breakfast meeting, Shivakumar is expected to travel to Delhi and meet his brother, MP DK Suresh, who is working to secure appointments with Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.
The high command has delivered a blunt message: the two should not arrive in Delhi “after quarrelling.” They are expected to talk, align their positions, and avoid sending conflicting signals to the central leadership.
Saturday’s interaction will likely determine whether the Congress can quietly close this chapter or whether the Karnataka leadership dispute will once again escalate to Delhi for a final decision.