Karnataka Power Tussle: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday dismissed the claims of overhaul of the leadership and differences between him and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, saying that the two leaders share a good relationship and there are no differences between them.
Additionally, Shivakumar underscored the unity within the Congress’s state unit and said that he would continue to follow directives from the Congress high command and stressed that there were no internal factions within the party
While addressing a press conference after meeting Shivakumar over breakfast today, the Chief Minister said that today’s meeting was aimed at clearing a “month-long confusion.”
#WATCH | Bengaluru: After a breakfast meeting with Deputy
CM DK Shivakumar, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says, “The unity will continue. We are together, united, and there are no differences between us.” pic.twitter.com/OIrInaFCPN
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025
Siddaramaiah said the two leaders had reviewed preparations for the 2028 Assembly elections and upcoming local body polls, which he termed “very important” for the Congress.
He emphasised that just as they worked together to bring the party to power in 2023, they had now resolved to move forward in the same spirit.
“Our agenda is the 2028 elections. Local body elections are important. We discussed them. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections. We discussed that we will go together. There are no differences between us and there will be no differences in the future…” he said.
Siddaramaiah further said that some MLAs had visited Delhi to discuss ministerial positions following hints of a cabinet reshuffle, but stressed that this did not indicate dissent against the leadership. “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.
Highlighting the role of the party high command, the Chief Minister said the leadership had asked the state unit to resolve any confusion ahead of the Assembly session. “From tomorrow there will be no confusion. There is no confusion now also. Some media reporters have created it,” he added, reiterating that both he and Shivakumar would abide by the directives of the central leadership to ensure smooth functioning of the government.
The Chief Minister further accused the BJP and JD(S) of spreading rumours about leadership overhalul in the state and warned that any attempts to move a no-confidence motion would be futile given Congress’ numerical strength in the Assembly.
#WATCH | Bengaluru: After a breakfast meeting with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says, “Whatever decision the high command takes, both of us will obey. There are no differences between DK Shivakumar and me… They (BJP and JDS) are saying that no… pic.twitter.com/j1oCFDy5y4
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025
“They are only 60, and the JD(S) is 18. We are 142. Whatever they do in the Assembly, whatever false allegations they put, we will take them on,” Siddaramaiah asserted, emphasising that he and Shivakumar had already strategised to confront the opposition when the Winter Session begins on December 8.
Shivakumar Affirms Unity Within Congress Leadership
Shivakumar said the Congress government was formed under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s vision and credited collective effort for bringing the party to power in the state. “With all your cooperation we have brought the Congress to power in the state. We are serving the people. The people have confidence in us,” he said.
Highlighting preparations for the upcoming Assembly session, Shivakumar said the leadership had discussed strategies to counter the opposition and present a “new face” in governance. He reiterated that the state unit would continue to follow directives from the Congress high command and stressed that there were no internal factions within the party. “I don’t need it. I didn’t let it happen during Krishna’s time. I won’t let it happen,” he said.
#WATCH | Bengaluru: After a breakfast meeting with CM Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, “As far as the leadership issue is concerned, we follow our party high command. Whatever they say, it is our decision. We have been loyal soldiers of the party. We know… pic.twitter.com/j8Jt0hsxdN
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025
Shivakumar also looked ahead to the 2028 elections, emphasising the party’s long-term goals. “We will strengthen the party to come back to power in 2028,” he asserted, signaling a united front in Karnataka’s political landscape.
#WATCH | Bengaluru: After a breakfast meeting with CM Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, “…There are some big issues that the Parliament members need to raise in this (Winter) session. Whatever they (central govt) have promised on sugarcane, maize issues and… pic.twitter.com/cLyyGkvFsh
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025
The Breakfast Meet
The remarks came after the two sat for breakfast amid the power tussle. The photo of the two leaders sharing plates of upma, idli and kesari bath — Karnataka’s quintessential breakfast trio — conveyed an understated message that their relationship is on steady ground.
Siddaramaiah said Shivakumar invited him for lunch first, after which the Chief Minister instead insisted for breakfast at his place. “I told him I will have lunch at his house one day,” Siddaramaiah said.
Siddaramaiah shared a photo of him and Shivakumar having breakfast on X, saying that both leaders had a brief discussion, while Shivakumar described it as a “productive discussion” focused on the state’s priorities, adding that they also spoke about “the road ahead.”
The development came a day after the Congress’s high command stepped in to end infighting and asked both the leaders to meet in a bid to resolve the crisis.
After the high command’s nudge, Siddaramaiah invited Shivakumar for a meeting over breakfast on Saturday.
Karnataka Power Tussle
Infighting has resurfaced as supporters of both camps push for their leaders to occupy the chief minister’s post—a dispute that began after the Congress’s 2023 Assembly election victory.
However, the party eventually picked Siddaramaiah as the Chief Minister. There were reports at the time that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had agreed to a power-sharing arrangement, though the Congress has never officially announced the deal.
Since Siddaramaiah took over as chief minister, MLAs and leaders backing Shivakumar have often demanded a leadership change in the state. This time, however, Shivakumar’s loyalists are more vocal, as Siddaramaiah has completed 2.5 years in office, and they believe he should step aside in line with the alleged power-sharing arrangement.
While Siddaramaiah has time and again stressed that he will complete the full term, Shivakumar’s remarks have indicated that the Congress wants to be tight-lipped about the issue. The two leaders have, however, maintained that they will abide by the final decision of the party high command.
A Cabinet reshuffle is expected, leaving the high command to decide whether to retain Siddaramaiah for the 2028 polls or elevate Shivakumar, who played a key role in the party’s 2023 success.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176435223419370470.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176426122831215958.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176436270732872037.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176425863219235097.webp)
