State politics in Karnataka witnessed a rare public show of unity on Saturday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar met for breakfast at the CM’s official residence. The two men later addressed the press together. Both denied any personal or political rift.
Game was tight. Congress high command had asked them to meet. The breakfast meet aimed to calm rumours. Rumours had suggested tension over power sharing. Observers had speculated over the CM-post rotation. But after the meal, both leaders stressed they stood together.
Siddaramaiah said the party must focus on governance and elections, not internal fights. Shivakumar echoed the same. He called himself a loyal party soldier. He said the Congress high command will decide on leadership issues, and they will follow that.
They spoke of future plans. They previewed work on local-body polls and the next assembly election in 2028. They assured cadres that the government stands rock-steady despite external noise. Both pledged to work united. They said: “We are together, we are united, and there are no differences now or later.”
The Opposition slammed the meeting as a mere show. They called it a “cosmetic exercise”. They said real trouble may lie beneath the public smiles. They demanded clarity on power-sharing and a clear roadmap from Congress.
Inside the party, leaders and workers welcomed the move. They said unity matters to deliver. They also said the public should judge the government by its work, not gossip.
Next week, both leaders plan to meet again. This time, at Shivakumar’s residence. The second breakfast meet — if it happens — may reinforce their message of camaraderie. For now, Karnataka’s Congress faces a calmer morning. The real test, however, will come in the assembly session and in the court of public opinion.
