The Aryavarth Express
Bengaluru (Karnataka): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday reiterated that he and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remain united, despite ongoing speculation over leadership tensions within the state Congress. His remarks came after the two leaders held their second breakfast meeting in less than a week.
Responding to questions about whether Shivakumar could become Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said, “When the high command says,” signalling deference to the party’s central leadership amid talk of a power-sharing deal.
The two leaders met at Shivakumar’s residence, where the Deputy CM hosted Siddaramaiah with traditional Nati chicken and idlis—an upgrade from the idli-sambar and upma served at their earlier meeting.
Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, Siddaramaiah stressed that the Congress in Karnataka remains cohesive. “Me and DK Shivakumar are united. We will run the government together in the future as well. All our MLAs are united, and together we will face the opposition. We follow the same ideology and work together, and we will continue to do so to bring the party back to power,” he said.
He added that a meeting with the Congress high command is likely soon. “We decided to call a meeting of MLAs on December 8 to discuss farmers’ issues and other matters. Both of us will accept the decision taken by the high command—Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge. If they call us to Delhi, we will go,” Siddaramaiah said, adding that he is scheduled to meet KC Venugopal on Wednesday.
Dismissing rumours of discord, he said, “This unity is not something new today; we have always been united. Whatever decision Rahul Gandhi makes, we will act accordingly.”
The Chief Minister also highlighted government support for maize and sugarcane farmers, noting that the upcoming Assembly session—set to begin Monday—will see the opposition BJP and JD(S) bringing a no-confidence motion. “Our government is pro-farmer. We discussed issues related to farmers, poultry farmers, and fisheries,” he said.
Deputy CM Shivakumar echoed the message of unity and development. “Honoured to welcome the Hon’ble Chief Minister to my residence today. We remain committed to Karnataka’s development and the progress of our people,” he wrote on X.
Kunigal MLA Ranganath and former MP DK Suresh, Shivakumar’s brother, were also present at the meeting.
The renewed dialogue between the CM and Deputy CM comes amid tensions linked to the 2023 “power-sharing agreement,” prompting back-to-back high-level interactions—including a meeting at Siddaramaiah’s Cauvery residence on November 29.
