New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday sought to put to rest speculation about internal rifts within the state Congress, asserting a united front ahead of the upcoming Assembly session and 2028 elections. Meeting over breakfast, the two leaders emphasised that there are no differences between them and reaffirmed their commitment to following the directives of the party high command.
Addressing a press conference after the informal breakfast meet, Siddaramaiah said the discussion was aimed at clearing “month-long confusion” and reviewing preparations for the 2028 Assembly elections and upcoming local body polls, which he described as “very important” for the party. He reiterated that just as they had worked together to bring Congress to power in 2023, the same spirit would guide their approach moving forward.
Siddaramaiah clarified that reports of MLAs visiting Delhi to discuss ministerial positions following rumours of a cabinet reshuffle did not indicate dissent. “Some of them spoke to me and told me why they went to Delhi. Whatever the high command says, we will go by that,” he said. He also accused the BJP and JD(S) of spreading false rumours about leadership changes, warning that any attempts at a no-confidence motion would fail given Congress’ majority in the Assembly.
Shivakumar echoed the Chief Minister’s message of unity, highlighting the collective effort behind Congress’ success in the 2023 elections. He stressed that the state unit would continue to follow the party high command’s directives and reiterated that there are no internal factions. “We will strengthen the party to come back to power in 2028,” he added, outlining the party’s long-term vision.
The breakfast meeting, where the two leaders shared Karnataka’s traditional breakfast of upma, idli, and kesari bath, symbolised the thawing of tensions and a renewed focus on governance. Siddaramaiah shared a photo of the breakfast meet on X, describing it as a brief but productive discussion on the state’s priorities and future strategy.
The meeting comes a day after Congress high command intervention aimed at resolving internal friction, with Siddaramaiah inviting Shivakumar to meet following the directive. Since Congress’ 2023 victory, tensions have periodically resurfaced, with Shivakumar’s supporters occasionally pushing for a leadership change. While a cabinet reshuffle is expected, both leaders have committed to abide by the high command’s final decisions, ensuring stability within Karnataka’s ruling Congress.
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