Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar today presented a united front at a joint press conference, publicly dismissing all reports of a ‘leadership crisis’ stemming from an alleged 2023 ‘rotational CM deal.’ The briefing followed their highly anticipated breakfast meeting, which was mandated by the Congress high command to clear the air after the government reached its two-and-a-half-year mark.
Siddaramaiah strongly refuted any discord, stating, “There are no differences between us and there will be no differences in the future.” He asserted that the primary focus of their discussion was future electoral strategy, specifically the 2028 Assembly elections and the upcoming local body polls, adding, “Our agenda is the 2028 elections… We also discussed bringing back Congress in the 2028 elections.”
The question of a leadership change intensified after November 20, the midpoint of the Congress government’s five-year term, reviving speculation over a purported agreement that would see Shivakumar take over as CM for the second half. Despite reports suggesting their morning meeting had hit an “impasse,” both leaders maintained that unity would prevail.
Deputy CM Shivakumar echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiment, confirming their commitment to working together for the people of Karnataka and stressing that they would adhere to the central leadership’s guidance.
“Whatever the high command says, we will follow that, and there is no group. Even now, we are working together. Whatever the CM said, I am with the CM,” Shivakumar affirmed.
Siddaramaiah also deflected blame for the speculation, asserting that the confusion was “created” by the media. He confirmed that both he and his deputy would respect the final decision of the central leadership. “We have decided that we will follow whatever the high command says. There will be no confusion from tomorrow,” he stated.
The carefully orchestrated show of unity precedes a crucial Strategy Group meeting of senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, which is expected to take place on Sunday, November 30. The central leadership is set to formally address the lingering uncertainty surrounding the Karnataka government’s direction and leadership.