Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar held a rare “power breakfast” meeting on Tuesday, signalling a possible breakthrough in their long-running tussle for the state’s top post. The meeting comes amid mounting pressure on the Congress to honour an alleged 2.5-year power-sharing deal agreed after the party’s 2023 victory.
Siddaramaiah, for the first time, publicly indicated that he may step aside — but insisted the final call rests solely with the Congress high command.
“Both of us will accept the decision taken by the party, especially Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge,” he said, acknowledging the growing spotlight on the leadership question.
Heated Rivalry, Courteous Optics
Despite their strained relationship, the breakfast meeting was marked by deliberate displays of unity. DKS’ younger brother, DK Suresh — who had openly criticised Siddaramaiah last month — was seen touching the Chief Minister’s feet in a symbolic gesture of reconciliation.
DK Shivakumar later posted on X: “Hosted the Chief Minister for breakfast at my residence today as we reaffirm our commitment to good governance and the continued development of our state under the Congress vision.”
Sources confirmed that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will likely be summoned to Delhi on December 8 for talks with Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. (Photo shared on X by DK Shivakumar)
He also told reporters: “We are one voice in the Congress… there is no difference in party; it is only a creation of the media.”
The Congress, too, released a carefully curated photograph of the two leaders sitting side-by-side, emphasising unity ahead of critical internal discussions.
Delhi Trip to Decide the Future
Sources confirmed that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will likely be summoned to Delhi on December 8 for talks with Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Though the visit is officially to discuss Karnataka farmers’ issues and water management, backchannel negotiations over the CM transition will dominate the agenda.
Hosted the Hon’ble CM for breakfast at my residence today as we reaffirm our commitment to good governance and the continued development of our state under the Congress vision. pic.twitter.com/qmBxr50S64
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) December 2, 2025
Before heading to the capital, both leaders are expected to hold pre-discussion talks with KC Venugopal in Mangaluru.
The meeting with Rahul Gandhi is considered pivotal. This could set the roadmap for a transition that has remained unresolved for nearly three years — a situation that observers say threatens the stability of one of the few states where Congress holds power on its own.
The 2.5-Year Deal: Why Tensions Are Peaking Now
Following the Congress’ surprise 2023 victory, party insiders widely believed that Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar had agreed to split the five-year term, with each serving 2.5 years. That halfway mark passed last month — but Siddaramaiah has shown no inclination to relinquish the post.
DKS’ camp wants the transition completed by April 2026, while Siddaramaiah’s allies prefer pushing it closer to the end of the term, arguing it could strengthen Congress’ chances in the 2028 Assembly elections.
Siddaramaiah has reportedly suggested that he complete his term and then back DKS — a move that could unite the influential Vokkaliga and Ahinda vote blocs ahead of 2028.
Kharge, however, is believed to have intervened strongly this week, with sources quoting him as saying:
“That word was given in my presence… and it should be honoured. Otherwise, I have no credibility in my own state.”
This marks his second attempt in two weeks to push the party towards a final decision before Parliament’s winter session.
BJP Watches Silently from the Sidelines
The opposition BJP is keeping a close eye on the Congress’ internal crisis. While there has been talk of a no-confidence motion against the Siddaramaiah government, the BJP currently lacks the numbers to topple the administration. For now, the party appears content to let the Congress’ internal rift dominate Karnataka’s political narrative.
