The two leaders later addressed a joint press conference in Bengaluru, where they stressed unity and a shared focus on the future.
What Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Said
Siddaramaiah reiterated that there is “no rift” between them and that both leaders are committed to working as a team.
“Our focus is on the 2028 elections and the upcoming local body polls. We discussed how to strengthen the Congress and bring the party back to power. There are no differences between us now, and there won’t be any in the future,” the CM said.
Shivakumar echoed the sentiment, emphasizing loyalty to the party leadership:
“Whatever the CM has said, I stand by him. We respect the high command. Karnataka will play a key role for the Congress nationally, and we will return to power in 2028.”
Top Takeaways From the Press Conference
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On BJP–JD(S) Allegations:
Siddaramaiah dismissed opposition claims of a no-confidence motion as “baseless,” noting that BJP–JD(S) jointly hold only 60 seats, compared to Congress’ 140.
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On Governance:
Shivakumar highlighted that the Congress government is working in line with its promises and has strong public support.
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On Leadership:
Shivakumar reiterated that any decision on leadership is up to the party’s high command, adding, “We are loyal soldiers of the party.”
Why the Leadership Debate Escalated
The tension between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar stems from the long-standing debate over the chief ministerial rotation formula. While some MLAs aligned with Shivakumar claim there was a 2.5-year power-sharing agreement when the government was formed in 2023, Siddaramaiah’s camp has consistently refuted this.
The Congress government completed 2.5 years on November 20, after which several MLAs supporting Shivakumar traveled to Delhi to meet party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Reports suggest:
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Siddaramaiah is pushing for a cabinet reshuffle, while
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Shivakumar wants the high command to clarify its stand on leadership first.
Party insiders believe that approving cabinet expansion may signal that Siddaramaiah will continue as CM for the full 5-year term, reducing Shivakumar’s chances.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar has been meeting his supporters, and several MLAs have publicly backed him.
Timeline of Key Developments Over the Last 10 Days
November 28
Both leaders appeared together at an event marking 50 years of the Anganwadi program, easing rumours of a widening rift.
November 26 — Kharge’s Stand
Congress president Kharge said the high command would resolve the issue after consultations with Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi’s Message to Shivakumar
According to media reports, Rahul Gandhi sent Shivakumar a WhatsApp message saying, “Please wait, I will call,” after the latter tried reaching him for days.
Shivakumar said he wanted to discuss MLC candidates, KPCC Trust restructuring, and party assets.
November 25 — BJP’s AI Video Targeting Shivakumar
The Karnataka BJP released an AI-generated video showing Shivakumar trying to buy a “Chief Minister’s chair” online, only to find it “Out of Stock.”
November 21 — Shivakumar Rejects CM Change Rumours
He posted on X that Siddaramaiah would complete his 5-year term and affirmed loyalty to the high command.
November 19 — Hint of Resignation
Shivakumar hinted he may step down as KPCC president, saying new leaders should get an opportunity, though he assured supporters he would remain on the frontline.
November 16 — Siddaramaiah Meets Kharge
Siddaramaiah met Kharge in Delhi, reportedly discussing cabinet expansion, though the party called it a courtesy visit.
The Rotation Formula—Still Unconfirmed
After the 2023 polls, a fierce tussle for the CM post led to talk of a 2.5-year rotation arrangement, with Shivakumar taking over mid-term. However, the Congress has never officially acknowledged such an agreement.
With both leaders publicly projecting unity today, the party is attempting to contain tensions, even as internal negotiations continue behind the scenes.
