Behind the Shivakumar–Siddaramaiah 'Truce': How the Congress Brokered Peace in Karnataka

Bengaluru: The power tussle between for the Karnataka CM post between the incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy DK Shivakumar showed signs of 'truce' on Saturday after the latter attended breakfast hosted by former at his residence, a day after High Command called both the leaders and advised them to work with each other and not to take the fight public.As suggested, Siddaramaiah invited Shivakumar for breakfast which he attended and later said that the two had “productive" discussion, in the midst of a leadership row in the state.The two senior Karnataka Congress leaders have been indulged in a power tussle over the CM post, because reportedly the Congress after 2023 Assembly elections was in a dilemma over whom to chose as Chief Minister between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar after it won

the elections.According to reports, the solution was to adopt a rotational CM policy as per which, Siddaramaiah would be CM for the first 2.5 years and Shivakumar in the remaining tenure. Now since Siddaramaiah’s 2.5-year-tenure is nearing its end, voices from within the party have started echoing, calling for a change in the leadership, possible making Shivakumar as the Chief Minister.However, Siddaramaiah has been adamant that the mandate to him was for the full term, asserting he would remain CM for 5 years, however, adding that the High Command’s decision would be final.Dealing the leadership crisis in the state which in the last few days opened out in public, the Congress on Friday advised both its senior leaders to meet, ease of tension and find a solution. It was after that when Siddamaiah invited Shivakumar for breakfast.Now whether this is a sign of ‘Truce Pact’ or not, let’s look at the inside story.

'Word Power' Post Angered Rahul Gandhi

According to party sources, DK Shivakumar's 'Word Power' post indirectly aimed at Siddaramaiah seems to have irked Rahul Gandhi summoned Mallikarjun Kharge's son Priyank to convey to both the leaders not to make the fight public. However, Priyank Kharge told the party that Shivakumar was not budging and the issue was now affecting the state administration.

Congress Leader KC Venugopal Called Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar

Sources said that after Priyank Kharge's intervention, KC Venugopal asked both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to come together for an amicable solution between themselves before coming to Delhi. Though it remains to be seen whether the two would also be heading for Delhi, the senior Karnataka leaders at least in front of cameras have been able to show signs of truce.