In a strong display of political solidarity, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar jointly addressed media on Saturday, firmly dismissing ongoing speculation about divisions within the state Congress leadership. The leaders emerged united after a breakfast meeting at the Chief Minister's official residence in Bengaluru.
Breakfast Diplomacy: A United Front Against Opposition Claims
Seated side by side before journalists, both leaders presented a coordinated response to what they termed as "false allegations" from opposition parties about internal conflicts within the Congress party. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directly addressed the rumors, stating emphatically: "There are no differences between DK Shivakumar and me. We go together."
The meeting, which took place on November 29, 2025, came at a crucial time when the opposition BJP and JDS have been threatening to bring a no-confidence motion against the state government. The Chief Minister confidently declared their readiness to face any such challenge, pointing out the numerical strength of their alliance. "They are only 60, and the JDS is 18. They cannot match our numbers. We are 140. This is a futile exercise," Siddaramaiah asserted.
Looking Ahead: 2028 Assembly Elections Strategy
Beyond addressing immediate political challenges, the leaders revealed they had used their meeting to chart a course for the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections. Both leaders emphasized their shared commitment to ensuring the Congress party's return to power in the next state elections.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar elaborated on their forward-looking approach: "Today, we discussed our strategy for the 2028 assembly elections and how to deal with the opposition. They may try to raise many issues. We are prepared to respond." He further expressed confidence that Karnataka would play a major role in national politics, predicting success not only in 2028 but also in the 2029 general elections under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.
The Chief Minister reinforced this long-term vision, stating: "Our agenda is the 2028 elections. Local body elections are important. We discussed them. We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections."
Addressing Internal Party Matters and High Command Loyalty
When questioned about recent visits by some Congress MLAs to the party high command in Delhi, Siddaramaiah provided a measured response. He acknowledged that some legislators had traveled to the capital but framed it as routine political activity rather than dissent.
"As far as I know, some MLAs want to become ministers, so they might have gone to meet the high command. This does not mean that they are against the leadership," the Chief Minister explained. He revealed that he had personally spoken with some of these MLAs and understood their motivations.
Both leaders repeatedly emphasized their loyalty to the Congress high command. Shivakumar described themselves as "loyal soldiers of the party" who would abide by whatever decisions the central leadership makes. This show of deference to the party leadership appeared strategically designed to project discipline and unity.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced plans for continued interaction between the two leaders, revealing that Siddaramaiah would soon visit his home for lunch or dinner, further signaling their personal and political rapport.
Opposition Response and Political Implications
Despite the show of unity, opposition parties remained skeptical about the Congress's internal cohesion. JDU MLA Nikhil Kumaraswamy offered a biting critique of the breakfast meeting, suggesting it was merely superficial.
"Today, the Congress are serving idlis. They are just united for breakfast, but unfortunately, as a whole, the Congress party is divided," Kumaraswamy commented. He expressed concern that the people of Karnataka are suffering due to these political dynamics.
The united front displayed by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar comes at a critical juncture for the Karnataka Congress, with the Winter Parliament session underway and important political battles on the horizon. Shivakumar pointed to several state-related issues that needed attention during the session, including unfulfilled central promises regarding sugarcane and maize.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes remain on how this displayed unity will translate into governance and electoral success for the Congress party in Karnataka.
