Siddaramaiah, DKS set for key breakfast meet as Karnataka power tussle peaks | Top updates
The leadership debate in Karnataka has intensified as DK Shivakumar heads to Delhi for key consultations, even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reasserts his plan to serve a full five-year term. A series of back-to-back meetings, public statements and political signalling have revived talk of a secret power-sharing pact.
New Delhi: With high-level meetings set to unfold in Delhi, the coming days may offer clarity or further twists in Karnataka’s closely watched power struggle. Amid the intensifying debate over a possible leadership transition, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said he would abide by whatever decision the Congress high command takes.
He added that the party leadership has directed both him and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to meet on Saturday morning to find a way out of the stalemate. The two leaders are scheduled to sit down for crucial talks over breakfast at 9.30 am at Cauvery, Siddaramaiah’s official residence, a meeting that may determine the government’s next steps.
Speculation over the power-sharing formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has surged, with political activity in Bengaluru and Delhi indicating that the leadership debate is far from resolved. Even as Shivakumar prepares to travel to the capital for consultations, Siddaramaiah has again emphasised that he intends to complete his five-year term, while also stating that he respects the high command’s authority.
Shivakumar is expected to reach Delhi on Friday for key meetings that could shape the Congress government’s strategy in Karnataka. His visit comes on a day he shared the stage with Siddaramaiah during a government event marking 50 years of the Anganwadi programme, an appearance interpreted as a show of unity amid rising tensions.
Meetings with lawmakers
Earlier in the day, the deputy chief minister held discussions with several Congress MLAs and leaders from Malluru, Kolar, Mulbagal and Kunigal. He later wrote on X that lawmakers KY Nanjegowda, Kotturu Manjunath, Dr Ranganath, Adi Narayana and Prof MV Rajeev Gowda had called on him. Meanwhile, his brother and Bengaluru Rural MP DK Suresh reached Delhi ahead of him, steering clear of political speculation. "Whatever issues are there, the government of Karnataka and the CM will answer… Everything is fine,” he said.
As attention shifts to Delhi, Siddaramaiah continued to underline his commitment to stable governance, arguing that continuity is essential for implementing the Congress government’s guarantee schemes and maintaining administrative momentum.
Power-sharing speculation
The renewed political buzz is rooted in a reported 2023 understanding that Shivakumar would take over as chief minister midway through the term. Although the Congress has never formally acknowledged any such formula, Shivakumar has hinted at a "secret agreement,” keeping the issue alive. Tensions escalated this week when he posted on X about the importance of honouring commitments, prompting a pointed response from Siddaramaiah, who emphasised that the people’s mandate is for a full five-year term.
Adding to the intrigue, former chief minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai suggested that the Congress may even consider a "dark horse” if both leaders remain unyielding. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said the leadership issue will be resolved after consultations involving all stakeholders, including Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
Saturday’s breakfast meeting and the upcoming discussions in Delhi are now expected to play a decisive role in shaping Karnataka’s political landscape.