'We will discuss everything': Siddaramaiah on breakfast invite to Shivakumar
What's the story
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has invited his deputy, DK Shivakumar, for a breakfast meeting on Saturday. The move comes after the Congress high command advised both leaders to discuss the ongoing leadership crisis in the state. "The high command has called D K Shivakumar. They had called me as well. They told both of us to meet and talk. When he comes there, we will discuss everything," Siddaramaiah said.
Disagreement
Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's public disagreement over leadership
The invitation comes after a public disagreement between the two leaders over promises and power. Shivakumar had recently alluded to a "secret deal" made by Congress leadership when they came to power in Karnataka in 2023. According to this understanding, Siddaramaiah was expected to step down after two and a half years, which he completed on November 20.
Full term
Siddaramaiah asserts commitment to full 5-year term
However, Siddaramaiah has now said that he will serve a full five-year term as chief minister. He wrote on social media platform X that the "mandate given by the people of Karnataka is not a moment, but a responsibility that lasts five full years." Despite this, he said he will "follow what the high command says."
Delhi visit
Shivakumar hints at possible trip to Delhi
Shivakumar, on his part, has also hinted at a possible trip to Delhi with the start of Parliament's winter session on December 1. "I will definitely go to Delhi. It is our temple," he said, adding that Congress leaders would guide them. He also spoke about the past sacrifices made by party leaders, such as Sonia Gandhi, for the greater good of the party.
Leadership resolution
Kharge confident in Congress high command's timing
State Congress leader Priyank Kharge also expressed confidence in the high command's ability to resolve the leadership crisis. He said no official invitation or statement had been made about a meeting in Delhi yet. "Let the invitation come from Delhi, then only it will be decided," Kharge said, emphasizing that internal matters are settled through consultations with senior party leaders.