Bengaluru: Hours after their much-anticipated breakfast meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appeared together before the media, sending a strong signal of unity within the Congress leadership amid swirling speculation over internal differences.
Their joint appearance at the CM’s residence, Cauvery, drew unusual attention, with the visual of both leaders walking out together prompting questions about possible leadership changes and power-sharing debates. The smiles seen on both leaders—especially DK Shivakumar—had added to the buzz ahead of the press briefing.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister opened by clarifying that the breakfast meeting was a courtesy interaction organised on the direction of Congress high command. “Breakfast was good. The three of us ate together. There was no political discussion during the meal,” he said.
He revealed that AICC general secretary Venugopal had spoken separately to both leaders, advising them to meet and put an end to unnecessary speculation. “He asked me to invite DK Shivakumar for breakfast. So we arranged it at our residence,” Siddaramaiah said, adding that both agreed to meet again over lunch on another day.
The CM said the main intention of today’s meeting was to clear minor misunderstandings that had built up over the past month. “Some unnecessary confusion had developed recently. So we decided to sit together and resolve it directly,” he stated.
Also Read: Breakfast Meeting Signals Truce: DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah Discuss Poll Strategy, Party Unity
Both leaders discussed preparations for the December 28 local body elections, including corporation, taluk panchayat, zilla panchayat and gram panchayat polls. Siddaramaiah stressed that Congress must retain and expand its strength across these civic bodies.
Reiterating that there were no differences between them, he said: “We worked together during the 2023 Assembly elections. There are no differences now, and there won’t be any in the future. We will continue working together.”
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬ್ರೇಕ್ಫಾಸ್ಟ್ ಸಭೆಯ ಬಳಿಕ ಸಿಎಂ–ಡಿಸಿಎಂ ಜಂಟಿ ಪ್ರೆಸ್ ಮೀಟ್: ನಾಯಕತ್ವ ಬದಲಾವಣೆ ಊಹಾಪೋಹಗಳಿಗೆ ತೆರೆ, ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಒಗ್ಗಟ್ಟಿನ ಸಂದೇಶ
Siddaramaiah also dismissed speculation triggered by reports of MLAs visiting Delhi. “Some MLAs might have gone for personal reasons or ministerial requests. It does not mean there is instability in leadership,” he clarified.
On preparations for the upcoming Belagavi winter session of the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government is ready to counter the BJP and JD(S) on all fronts. “Whatever allegations they make, we will respond strongly. We have 142 members. A no-confidence motion is impossible to pass,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating that the high command’s decision will be final. “Both of us have agreed—we will follow whatever direction the high command gives. Confusion will not continue from tomorrow,” he added.
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