‘No Differences’: What Happened at the High-Stakes Breakfast Meeting Between CM Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Karnataka:
Amid an intensifying power struggle in Karnataka’s Congress government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) held a crucial breakfast meeting on Friday, attempting to project unity at a time when the party is wrestling with deep internal divisions. The meeting came hours after the Congress high command summoned both leaders to Delhi, following rising tensions over an alleged 2023 power-sharing understanding that has triggered political turbulence across the state.

The breakfast meeting—conducted at Siddaramaiah’s residence—was closely watched by party workers, opposition parties, and political observers. While both leaders insisted publicly that there were “no differences” between them, the discussions, according to party insiders, touched upon the most contentious issue facing the government: whether the Chief Ministerial post should change hands halfway through the five-year term.

Power Tussle Background: The 2023 “Word” Returns to Center Stage

The Congress swept to power in the 2023 Assembly elections with a decisive majority. However, the leadership question had divided the party from the beginning. Siddaramaiah, a mass leader with administrative experience, and Shivakumar, a strong organisational force and Vokkaliga heavyweight, were both contenders for the top post.

To balance competing camps, the party high command reportedly offered a 2.5-year rotational Chief Ministership, giving Siddaramaiah the first half of the term and paving the way for Shivakumar to take over afterward. The agreement was never publicly confirmed, but it has resurfaced strongly as the government approaches the halfway mark.

Over the last few days, comments from both leaders and their supporters revived speculation about the deal. Statements hinting at a “word”, counter-statements dismissing it as “misinterpretation”, and subtle jabs deepened the perception of a widening rift within the ruling party.

Why the Breakfast Meeting Was Crucial

The high-stakes breakfast meeting was not a routine interaction, despite Siddaramaiah attempting to portray it as such. It took place after the high command reportedly advised both leaders to sit down and discuss issues before flying to Delhi.

With tension rising, Congress wanted an immediate display of unity. The meeting, therefore, had three objectives:

Manage political optics before Delhi discussions
Calm supporters from both camps
Prevent open confrontation from escalating further

The breakfast momentarily cooled the atmosphere, but the underlying concerns remain unresolved.

Inside the Meeting: Key Points and Developments

1. Public Message: “No Differences”

Speaking to the press after the meeting, both leaders insisted that their relationship remained cordial.

Siddaramaiah said:

“There are no issues between us. We meet regularly.”

Shivakumar, too, emphasised unity:

“You are exaggerating matters. We are working together. There are no differences.”

However, both avoided directly addressing whether the power-sharing deal was discussed.

2. The ‘Word’ Issue Was Discussed Privately, Say Insiders

According to sources familiar with the meeting, the contentious power-transition formula was discussed indirectly.

Siddaramaiah reportedly reiterated his position that no formal agreement exists and that decisions must be made based on governance stability.
Shivakumar is said to have maintained that the “word” given in 2023 should not be ignored as it concerns party credibility.

Both agreed to leave the matter to the party high command.

3. High Command’s Directive: Maintain Discipline

The meeting was reportedly held under clear instructions from the Congress central leadership, which advised both leaders to:

Avoid making provocative public statements
Refrain from cryptic social media posts
Keep their respective MLAs from lobbying aggressively
Maintain a united front ahead of the Delhi meeting

The breakfast meeting served as a controlled setting to demonstrate compliance with these instructions.

4. Supporters Continue Their Power Moves Behind the Scenes

Despite the show of unity, both factions continue mobilising support.

A significant number of MLAs remain firmly behind Siddaramaiah, viewing him as the face of welfare governance.
Shivakumar’s loyalists, however, have been active in Delhi, reportedly lobbying with the high command to ensure he gets the CM’s chair.

While the breakfast meeting was cordial, political observers believe both factions are preparing for a final showdown in Delhi.

5. BJP Calls the Meeting “A Mere Photo-Op”

The opposition BJP immediately launched an attack, calling the breakfast meeting “an optical illusion.”

BJP leaders claimed that:

Congress is experiencing a “serious internal civil war”
The meeting was a desperate attempt to mask deep fractures
The state government is distracted from governance issues

The BJP is expected to bring a no-confidence motion against the Siddaramaiah government during the upcoming winter session, hoping to capitalize on the internal turmoil.

The Stakes: Why This Crisis Matters Now

For Siddaramaiah

Completing the full five-year term would cement his political legacy.
A mid-term transition may be viewed as a forced compromise.
His supporters argue that continuity is essential for delivering guarantees and stabilising governance.

For D.K. Shivakumar

This may be his best chance to become Chief Minister.
His camp firmly believes the 2023 understanding must be honoured.
Delaying the decision could weaken his political leverage.

The next decision will significantly impact the careers of both leaders and set the tone for the 2028 election narrative.

Why the High Command Has Stepped In

The Congress leadership in Delhi faces a delicate challenge. The crisis threatens to:

Damage the image of the ruling party
Affect governance and administration
Trigger rifts and defections
Give the BJP a political opening
Undermine Congress’ resurgence narrative in the south

By summoning both leaders to Delhi, the party hopes to:

Defuse tensions
Reinforce internal discipline
Assess MLA support
Finalise a leadership roadmap

The final call is expected to be taken by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, with inputs from Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Possible Outcomes from the Delhi Meeting

1. Power Transfer to D.K. Shivakumar

The high command may decide to honour the 2.5-year formula, making Shivakumar the new Chief Minister.

2. Siddaramaiah Continues for the Full Term

If governance stability is prioritized, Siddaramaiah may be allowed to complete the five-year term, with Shivakumar offered enhanced organisational roles.

3. A Compromise Formula

A neutral third leader or increased balancing within the cabinet could emerge as a temporary solution.

4. Prolonged Uncertainty

Delays could further intensify factional divides and cause public embarrassment.

Conclusion: Unity on Camera, Tension Behind Closed Doors

The breakfast meeting between CM Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar achieved its optics: warm smiles, public statements of unity, and a temporary easing of tensions. But the political storm beneath the surface remains strong.

The real battle will unfold in Delhi, where the Congress high command will decide whether Karnataka gets a new Chief Minister or whether Siddaramaiah continues at the helm.

The next few days will be pivotal—not just for the two leaders involved, but for the stability of Karnataka’s government and the direction of the Congress party in the state.

The smiles at the breakfast table may have made headlines, but all eyes now turn to Delhi, where the real decision awaits.