Karnataka Power Struggle: Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar Meet Amid Transition Talks as Congress Seeks Resolution

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar held a 'power breakfast' meeting on Tuesday, an encounter that carries significant political implications beyond a typical gathering.

The two Congress leaders, who have been engaged in a prolonged dispute over the chief minister's position since the 2023 election, shared a meal of idli, country-style chicken curry, and coffee (with the Chief Minister opting for a splash of milk) to discuss their ongoing power struggle. While the immediate outcome remains unclear, Siddaramaiah mentioned that they discussed the upcoming Karnataka Assembly session.

In what appears to be the first clear acknowledgment that his tenure as Chief Minister might be concluding, Siddaramaiah indicated his willingness to step down if directed by Congress's top leadership. "Both of us will accept the decision taken by the party, especially Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge," he stated.

Sources revealed that DKS made sincere efforts to demonstrate respect toward Siddaramaiah. His younger brother, DK Suresh, who had previously criticized the Chief Minister, was observed touching Siddaramaiah's feet, a traditional gesture of respect.

According to sources, both leaders are likely to be summoned to Delhi for a meeting with senior party leaders on December 8. The plan reportedly involves them flying from Belagavi – where the Karnataka Assembly is located – after the House adjourns.

Officially, they will be accompanied by Congress MPs from Karnataka to address issues facing state farmers and water resource management. However, sources indicate that behind-the-scenes negotiations are also on the agenda.

Prior to this, senior Congress leader KC Venugopal is expected to hold preliminary discussions with them in Mangaluru.

A direct meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Kharge will be crucial in establishing a transition plan and resolving a deadlock that has persisted for nearly three years, threatening stability in one of only three states where Congress holds independent control. The consensus, however, appears to be that Rahul Gandhi will make the "final decision."

This development might not favor DKS's aspirations to assume the Chief Minister role within the next six months, as reports suggest Gandhi does not support a mid-term leadership change.

Today's breakfast at DKS's residence marks the second meeting in three days as Congress attempts to broker peace long enough to focus on the 2028 election. The party released another obligatory photo portraying unity between the leaders.

"Hosted the Chief Minister for breakfast at my residence today as we reaffirm our commitment to good governance and the continued development of our state under the Congress vision," DKS posted on social media platform X, accompanied by an image of the two sitting side by side.

"We are 'one voice' in the Congress… there is no difference in party, it is only a creation of the media," he told reporters.

On Saturday, they met at the Chief Minister's residence, where idli, upma, and kesari were served, likely with coffee as well.

However, these meetings have not produced an immediate resolution to their dispute. Sources indicate they discussed power transition but could not agree on timing. DKS's supporters favor a swift handover, possibly by April 2026, while the Chief Minister's camp reportedly wants to extend his tenure as long as possible, potentially through the entire term.

Sources revealed that Siddaramaiah proposed completing his term and then supporting DKS in the 2028 election – his influence within the politically significant Ahinda community could make this an attractive proposition.

If DKS accepts this proposal, it might enable Congress to unite two of Karnataka's largest voter bases – the dominant Vokkaliga caste already supporting Shivakumar and the Ahinda community votes.

At the heart of this controversy is an alleged agreement made after Congress's unexpected 2023 election victory – that Siddaramaiah and DKS would each serve as chief minister for 2.5 years of the five-year term.

That halfway point passed last month with no indication that Siddaramaiah intends to relinquish power, prompting pressure tactics from DKS, including comments about honoring promises and Congress lawmakers appealing to party president Mallikarjun Kharge to intervene.

On Monday, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge appeared to take a firm stance on the matter.

Sources said he called for the promise to be fulfilled, asserting, "that word was given in my presence... and it should be honored. Otherwise, I have no credibility in my own state."

This marks Kharge's second attempt to push for resolution of this issue promptly; last week he urged settlement before Parliament's winter session.

Meanwhile, the opposition BJP is adopting a wait-and-see approach.

There has been speculation about introducing a no-confidence vote against Siddaramaiah's government, but currently the BJP lacks sufficient numbers to seriously challenge the ruling party.