Breakfast Meeting Fails to Resolve Karnataka Leadership Tensions
The highly anticipated breakfast meeting between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar concluded without any breakthrough in their political standoff. Both leaders have now placed the responsibility of resolving their differences squarely on the Congress high command's shoulders.
Following the meeting that attracted significant political attention, Siddaramaiah confirmed that the duo has decided to present a united front until the party's high command intervenes in the matter. The intervention is expected only after the winter session of the legislature.
United Front Until High Command's Decision
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that there exists no confusion or difference of opinion between them. "We will move together as per the high command's directions," he stated firmly. The CM revealed that the meeting was organized following calls from senior central leaders, including KC Venugopal who contacted his legal adviser A S Ponnanna with instructions to invite Shivakumar.
"Venugopal also spoke to Shivakumar directly," Siddaramaiah added. "The breakfast was good, but we did not discuss anything there. Unnecessary confusion had been created for a month." This statement sought to downplay the significance of their meeting while acknowledging the political tensions that have been brewing.
Preparing for Winter Session Challenges
With the winter assembly session scheduled to begin on December 8, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence in their combined strength. "We have 140 MLAs. They have 84 even if BJP and JD(S) combine. Whatever they try, we will face it," he declared, indicating their preparedness to counter any opposition moves, including a potential no-confidence motion.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar echoed the CM's sentiments, reinforcing their commitment to work together until the high command steps in. "Politically, our stand is the same," Shivakumar stated. "The government was formed under Siddaramaiah's leadership as per the high command. There are no groups between us."
Shivakumar emphasized their collective responsibility to strengthen both the party and their MLAs. He also revealed that both leaders are prepared to travel to Delhi when instructed by the party leadership. Beyond political matters, they plan to address pressing concerns affecting farmers, particularly regarding maize prices, by taking a delegation to meet with MPs and central government officials.
Opposition Dismisses Meeting as Insignificant
Meanwhile, Opposition leader in the Assembly R Ashoka mocked the much-publicized meeting, dismissing it as having no real significance. He sarcastically referred to it as a "break meeting, not a breakfast meeting," suggesting that the Congress high command remained unconcerned about the ongoing power tussle.
"Nothing will come out of this," Ashoka predicted. "The CM will not step down, and Shivakumar will not stop trying." This criticism highlights the political challenges facing the Congress government in Karnataka as it navigates internal dynamics while preparing for the upcoming legislative session.
Both leaders have reiterated their commitment to maintaining unity until the high command addresses the leadership matter. Shivakumar concluded by affirming his commitment to the CM's statements and acknowledging their duty to meet public expectations, given the support people have shown them.
