A fresh round of political tension in Karnataka has pushed chief minister Siddaramaiah to invite his deputy, DK Shivakumar, for a breakfast meeting on Saturday. The gesture comes at a time when speculation is rising about a possible leadership change as Siddaramaiah completes two-and-a-half years in office.
High Command Calls for Dialogue
Siddaramaiah explained that the Congress high command had asked both him and Shivakumar to sit down and talk. He added that he would travel to Delhi whenever the party leadership summons him.
“The high command had called DK Shivakumar. They had called me as well. They told both of us to meet and talk. So I invited him for breakfast. When he comes there, we both will discuss everything,” the Chief Minister said.
Rumours of Power-Sharing Return
The renewed buzz appears linked to the long-rumoured ‘power-sharing’ formula between the two top leaders. According to this reported agreement, Shivakumar was expected to take over as chief minister for the second half of the government’s five-year term.
Shivakumar was also likely to visit Delhi for discussions with senior Congress leaders. His brother, DK Suresh, has already reached the capital, but both brothers have avoided commenting on whether the power-sharing plan is being revived.
Siddaramaiah Repeats His Stand
Even as he has expressed his desire to finish a full five-year term, Siddaramaiah said again that he would abide by the party’s decision.
“I have said that I will follow what the high command says. I am saying the same now, and I will say the same tomorrow as well,” he said.
The chief minister added that Shivakumar has also publicly committed to following the party’s directions. “He too has said many times that he will follow what the high command says. I have also said many times that I will follow what the high command says,” Siddaramaiah noted.
Also Read: ‘Secret Deal’ Row Reignites Siddaramaiah–Shivakumar Leadership Battle in Karnataka
