In the midst of ongoing speculation and internal power struggles regarding the Chief Minister's post in Karnataka politics, a joint breakfast meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has once again intensified political activity.
Bengaluru: After meeting with DK Shivakumar, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that discussions would focus on the government's strategy in the assembly and how to secure funding for central government programs. He informed that on December 8, he would travel to Delhi to meet all MPs and discuss issues related to central funding. He would also meet with the High Command if an opportunity arises.
The CM also mentioned that personally, he eats non-vegetarian food, while DK Shivakumar is vegetarian; he fed Shivakumar vegetarian food, and Shivakumar fed him native chicken. He clarified that he would accept whatever decision Rahul Gandhi and the High Command make. The CM stated, "We are always brothers, we are in one party, we believe in one principle, we are together, and we will remain together."
What Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Said After Breakfast
After meeting DK Shivakumar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told the media that discussions between the two leaders covered issues related to the assembly session, funds from the central government, and the state's development. He clarified that the government's strategy for the assembly session, which begins on December 8, is being formulated. The Chief Minister said,
'We will discuss the funds to be received from the central government and the necessary resources for the state. On the 8th, I will go to Delhi to meet all the MPs, and if an opportunity arises, I will also meet the party's high command.'
He also reiterated that he would accept whatever decision Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge make.
'No Differences Between Us' – Siddaramaiah
Attempting to put an end to the ongoing discussions about leadership change in Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We are both brothers, in the same party, and believe in the same principle. There are no differences between us. We are united and will continue to run the government together and contest elections." He also stated that no formal political issues were discussed during breakfast, but rather, discussions later focused on the strategy for the assembly session and preparations to tackle questions from the opposition.
The Chief Minister informed that a meeting with Karnataka MPs would be held in Delhi on December 8. This meeting will extensively discuss farmers' issues, state development works, and financial assistance from the Centre. MPs will be tasked with bly raising the problems of their respective constituencies before the central government.
DK Shivakumar Also Issued a Statement
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also issued a statement regarding the breakfast meeting. He said, "Initially, I had invited the Chief Minister, but he said, 'You come first.' Today, he came to my place, and I served him Mysuru-style breakfast." He stated that the meeting discussed party matters, government affairs, the assembly session, and issues to be raised by the opposition. He assured that the government would bly respond to every question from the opposition.
Commenting sarcastically on this meeting, senior BJP leader and MP Basavaraj Bommai said, "This is just a teaser; the full movie depicting the Congress's condition is yet to come. If the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister remain busy with breakfast meetings, when will they work for the public?" He also questioned the whereabouts of the Congress High Command and stated that the ongoing politics in Karnataka has become a "family matter." His statement is being considered a direct attack on the internal situation of the Congress.
