Amidst the ongoing political tussle over the Chief Minister's post in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a significant statement on Friday. He announced that he has invited Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for breakfast on Saturday.
Bengaluru: Karnataka's politics is once again at a major turning point. The ongoing tussle over the Chief Minister's post in the state has now come out in the open. On one side is the current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and on the other is Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who considers himself the next natural claimant to the Chief Minister's chair. Amidst this political struggle, Siddaramaiah has invited Shivakumar for breakfast, which is being seen as a crucial step towards resolving the power-sharing dispute.
This meeting is taking place at a time when Siddaramaiah has completed two and a half years of his tenure. It is believed that a supposed power-sharing agreement was reached within the party when the Congress government was formed in 2023, according to which Siddaramaiah would be the Chief Minister for the first two and a half years, and DK Shivakumar for the subsequent two and a half years. However, the Congress has not officially confirmed this agreement to date.
Why is the breakfast meeting important?
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clearly stated that the Congress high command has instructed him and his deputy to discuss matters amongst themselves. It is under this directive that he has invited DK Shivakumar for breakfast. Siddaramaiah says that he and Shivakumar will openly discuss every issue, and whatever decision is reached thereafter will be acceptable to them.
On the other hand, DK Shivakumar has also indicated that he will soon visit Delhi to meet the party leadership. His brother and MP, DK Suresh, has already reached Delhi, though he has not made any direct comment on the entire matter.
What has happened so far: The complete timeline in 10 key points
- Two and a half years completed: Siddaramaiah has completed his two and a half year tenure as Chief Minister, after which old claims of power-sharing have intensified again.
- Breakfast invitation: Siddaramaiah has invited DK Shivakumar for breakfast on Friday morning.
- High Command's directive: Both leaders state that the Congress leadership has asked them to hold discussions amongst themselves.
- Delhi visit: DK Shivakumar has made it clear that he will visit Delhi to meet the party leadership.
- Claim of 'secret agreement': Shivakumar has previously referred to a "secret agreement," but its details have never been made public.
- Social media hint: This week, DK Shivakumar made a social media post referring to "keeping promises," which further fueled political speculation.
- Siddaramaiah's response: The Chief Minister retorted by saying that the mandate of the people of Karnataka is for a full five years.
- BJP's comment: Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai claimed that the Congress might consider a "third face" as well.
- Kharge's statement: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the decision on leadership would be taken after discussions with all leaders.
- Rahul Gandhi's role: Rahul Gandhi's presence is also considered certain in this important meeting.
For the Karnataka Congress government, this dispute is not limited to power-sharing alone; it is also linked to the party's unity and future politics. While Siddaramaiah is asserting his claim to remain Chief Minister for the full five years based on experience and public mandate, DK Shivakumar seeks the Chief Minister's post on the strength of his organizational power and b hold within the party.
Both leaders have publicly stated that they will abide by every decision of the high command, but the tussle among supporters is clearly visible in grassroots politics.
