The discussions around leadership change in the state stem from a rumoured power-sharing deal between the two leaders.
Published Dec 02, 2025 | 2:34 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 02, 2025 | 2:34 PM
DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah had a breakfast meeting at the former's residence.
Synopsis: After the second round of breakfast meeting with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Shivakumar would become the chief minister “when the high command wills”. The Congress leaders reiterated that they were united and would continue to lead the government in a united manner.
After the second round of breakfast meeting with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday, 2 December, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Shivakumar would become the chief minister “when the high command wills”.
The duo, who sought to send out another message of unity amid buzz around leadership change in the state, held a breakfast meeting at Shivakumar’s residence upon his invitation, just days after they broke bread.
The Congress leaders reiterated that they were united and would continue to lead the government in a united manner.
“The Deputy Chief Minister and I are like brothers, we are in the same party and believe in the same ideology. We will work together in the 2028 elections as well and bring the party to power,” Siddaramaiah told reporters. Upon being asked when Shivakumar would become the chief minister, Siddaramaiah said, “When the High Command wills.”
The discussions around leadership change in the state stem from a rumoured power-sharing deal between the two, where Shivakumar would take over the mantle from Siddaramaiah after 2.5 years.
However, both leaders have repeatedly denied any such agreement, blaming the media and the BJP instead for fuelling speculations.
The second breakfast meeting, much like the first, came after directions from the Congress high command at a time when the party was still recovering from an electoral debacle in Bihar.
Amid rumours of a “November revolution” — despite consistent dismissal of such claims by both the leaders — several MLAs loyal to the deputy chief minister had earlier camped in Delhi to pitch Shivakumar as the next chief minister, which further reignited rumours of “differences” between the two camps.
However, Shivakumar on Tuesday denied that there were any differences, claiming that they were fabricated by the media. Siddaramaiah also said that expressing an opinion did not amount to differences, reiterating that all the Congress MLAs were united and they would take on the Opposition together.
Addressing a press conference after their breakfast meeting, the chief minister reiterated that they would listen to the decision of the high command, naming senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. When asked whether he would go to Delhi, Siddaramaiah said, “If they call, I will go.” So far, there is no communication from the high command on the timeline for any decision on the matter, he added.
The projections of unity also come after it was conveyed to Shivakumar that a public spectacle of party affairs will only dent his image and damage his chances.
Meanwhile, the duo maintained that the breakfast meetings were about party-related matters, including farmers’ issues and how they plan to take on the BJP in the upcoming session in Belagavi from 8 December. “We will in one voice counter the opposition,” Shivakumar said. The BJP is planning to move a no-confidence motion against the Congress government, alleging that the state’s administration has been paralysed for the past two months owing to the leadership tussle.
“DK Shivakumar and I are united, we will be united in the future as well,” Siddaramaiah said. The chief minister added that he will meet All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary KC Venugopal in Mangaluru on Wednesday, where he is attending an event as the chief guest.
He added that an all-party meeting is likely on 8 December in Delhi, as the Assembly session’s first day may be adjourned after obituaries due to the recent demise of MLA HY Meti.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
