The first breakfast meeting took place on November 29 at Siddaramaiah’s house, after which both leaders held a joint press conference, asserting there was no dispute over the CM position. Party sources indicate that these meetings follow directions from the Congress high command, amid pressure from factional workers demanding clarity on the leadership issue.
The conflict traces back to the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections when a purported rotation formula—allocating 2.5 years each for Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar as CM—was allegedly agreed upon, though the party has never formally confirmed it. Siddaramaiah’s supporters, however, have reportedly refused to recognize this arrangement.
Following the Tuesday meeting, Shivakumar shared updates on X (formerly Twitter), reiterating loyalty to Siddaramaiah and emphasizing that the party high command’s guidance would determine any leadership or cabinet decisions. During the earlier November 29 press conference, Siddaramaiah dismissed opposition claims, stating, “BJP and JDS have 60 seats; they cannot match our 140. Their no-confidence attempts are futile.” Shivakumar added, “We are working as per our promises, with the high command guiding our decisions.”
Party sources reveal that Siddaramaiah favors a cabinet reshuffle, while Shivakumar prefers clarity on leadership before any changes. If approved, an expansion could signal Siddaramaiah’s continuation for a full five-year term, potentially affecting Shivakumar’s chances of assuming the CM post.
Recent developments include Shivakumar’s outreach to Rahul Gandhi and meetings with MLAs in Delhi, alongside the BJP’s release of an AI video mocking Shivakumar’s CM ambitions. Despite the friction, both leaders continue to publicly project unity and commitment to Karnataka’s development.
