BENGALURU, Nov 29: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday showcased a united front, ending weeks of speculation over a leadership tussle in the 2.5 year old Congress government.
The two senior leaders met for a breakfast at Siddaramaiah’s Cauvery residence, a meeting convened at the behest of the Congress high command to resolve the ongoing leadership row. Speaking at a joint press conference, both asserted there were no differences between them and promised to work together going forward.
“I had a breakfast meeting with Shivakumar because some unwanted confusion was created, mainly by the media. We don’t have differences, and even in future, there won’t be any,” Siddaramaiah said.
Shivakumar echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to meet public expectations. “We don’t have factionalism. We will go together, take everyone along, and abide by the party high command. The strategy for the 2028 assembly polls was also discussed,” he said.
The breakfast meet came amid heightened political speculation, as the BJP had warned of a possible no-confidence motion if the power tussle persisted. Both leaders reassured that the Congress government would remain focused on governance and the party’s objectives.
Shivakumar, who also serves as Congress state president, stressed that the party would contest the 2028 assembly elections under the leadership of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. “Karnataka will play a major role in the revival of the party,” he added.
The widely watched breakfast included traditional South Indian fare such as idli, vada, sambar, chutney, and uppittu (Upma), symbolizing a cordial and productive dialogue between the two leaders.
With the high command’s intervention and this public show of unity, Congress hopes to put an end to factional speculation and focus on governance and the road to 2028.