DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah have second breakfast meeting in 3 days
What's the story
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited Deputy CM DK Shivakumar's home for breakfast on Tuesday. The meeting came three days after a similar one at the CM's official residence. This is seen as a move to ease tensions in the ongoing leadership struggle within the Congress party in Karnataka, according to ANI. The Congress high command has reportedly directed these meetings to resolve issues between the two leaders.
Invitation
Shivakumar invites Siddaramaiah for breakfast meeting
Shivakumar had reportedly invited Siddaramaiah for breakfast to discuss their joint efforts to fulfill promises made to Karnataka. He said they were "working like brothers" and blamed the media for creating confusion. After the first breakfast meeting on Saturday, both leaders had publicly stated that "there won't be any confusion."
Peaceful resolution
Home Minister calls for peaceful settlement
Home Minister G Parameshwara, who is also a contender for the CM post, welcomed the breakfast meeting as a step toward peaceful resolution. He said, "It's a good thing that our leaders are getting together again for breakfast. All we want is a peaceful settlement of whatever has happened over the month or so." The speculation of a leadership change intensified after Congress completed half its five-year term on November 20.
Leadership debate
Shivakumar's supporters call for leadership change
Shivakumar's supporters have been pushing for him to be made CM for the remaining term, citing a 'power-sharing agreement' from 2023. This has led to repeated meetings between the two leaders in an effort to prevent a major crisis. After their Saturday breakfast meeting, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar reaffirmed unity within Congress and decided to follow decisions taken by the party high command.