Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Ready to Attend DK Shivakumar's Breakfast Meeting Amid Unity Talks

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed on Monday that he has not yet received an invitation from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for a breakfast meeting, but expressed his willingness to attend whenever invited.

"If I receive an invitation for breakfast from Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, I am prepared to attend. He mentioned during our previous breakfast meeting on November 30 that he would invite me. He suggested I should come to his residence for breakfast on Tuesday, but I haven't received any call so far. If he extends an invitation, I will certainly go," Siddaramaiah told reporters when questioned about the matter.

The Chief Minister added, "He may send an invitation soon. I believe he will definitely invite me."

Shivakumar, who serves as the state Congress president and is considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister position, had stated last Saturday following their breakfast meeting at the CM's residence that both he and Siddaramaiah are "united" and will follow the high command's directives. "I am pleased today. The CM and I had a productive breakfast meeting. The CM will also visit my home for dinner in the coming days," he had commented.

When questioned about inviting the Chief Minister to his residence, Shivakumar maintained that this was a private matter between them. "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I are collaborating like brothers. We only participated in the breakfast meeting due to media pressure. The media repeatedly claimed there are factions within the party," he explained.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao contributed to the discussion, saying, "We will hold breakfast, lunch, and dinner meetings as well. They will discuss all relevant matters during these gatherings. Shivakumar mentioned he was invited for breakfast by CM Siddaramaiah, and in that context, he indicated he would reciprocate the invitation."

"This shouldn't be characterized as a political breakfast. They will discuss politics along with other matters. Why shouldn't they engage in conversation? They are politicians," he added.

Gundu Rao emphasized there are no divisions within the party, and final decisions will be made by the high command. "There will be no confusion in the party moving forward. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are unified and will progress together. Discussions regarding leadership should not occur as they're not in the best interest of the party and government," he stated.

"For two and a half years, media outlets have portrayed internal confusion within the government. However, there has been no actual confusion in the party. The CM and Deputy CM are working collaboratively. The crisis that media predicted would happen in November within the Congress party never materialized. This kind of speculation isn't beneficial for the party. We have addressed any misunderstandings and are moving forward," he concluded.