Siddaramaiah Meets Shivakumar Over Breakfast as Congress Signals ‘All Is Well’ in Karnataka
Leaders meet amid internal leadership speculation ahead of Assembly winter session
Karnataka, Dec 02 : Congress politics saw another chapter on Tuesday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the residence of Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar in Sadashivanagar for breakfast amid ongoing leadership speculation within the ruling party. Shivakumar and his brother, former MP DK Suresh, welcomed Siddaramaiah with a bouquet and shawl, while security in the area was tightened with barricades on nearby roads.
Second Breakfast Meeting in a Week
This marks the second breakfast meeting between the two senior leaders in less than seven days. Siddaramaiah arrived from his official residence, ‘Cauvery’, for the gathering, which carries political significance as debates over leadership continue. Shivakumar is considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post, though both leaders have reiterated that they will abide by the Congress high command’s decision.
Unity Message Ahead of Winter Session
The meetings are part of Congress’s effort to project cohesion ahead of the Karnataka Assembly winter session, starting December 8 in Belagavi. Party insiders noted that the central leadership has encouraged such informal interactions to keep internal differences in check. Shivakumar had earlier mentioned on X that he invited Siddaramaiah “to discuss and strengthen our collective efforts to deliver on our promises to Karnataka,” adding that Siddaramaiah’s favourite naati koli dish would be served.
Leaders Respond to Speculation
Addressing media speculation, Siddaramaiah clarified that he had not received a call initially but would attend whenever invited. Shivakumar emphasized that much of the speculation was media-driven, stating, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I are working together like brothers. The breakfast meetings were only due to media pressure.”
Shivakumar’s Hanuman Jayanti Message
On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, Shivakumar posted on X, paying tribute to Lord Hanuman as “the embodiment of truth, courage, devotion, and a spirit of service,” and wished that the blessings of the deity, “the remover of hardships,” be upon everyone.
