Bengaluru, Nov 29: Seeking to end the escalating leadership tussle in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Saturday presented a united front, insisting there were no differences between them and pledging continued unity.
Siddaramaiah said both the leaders have decided to follow whatever will be the decision of the party high command and resolve any "confusion".
The two Congress leaders addressed a joint press conference after meeting for breakfast at Siddaramaiah’s Cauvery residence—a meeting convened at the direction of the party high command to resolve tensions in the 2.5-year-old government.
The BJP had warned it would move a no-confidence motion if the discord between the CM and his deputy persisted.
Siddaramaiah told reporters that the breakfast meeting was held because unwanted confusion had been created, largely by the media.
“We don’t have differences—there are none today and there won’t be any in the future. I will ensure this,” he said.
Shivakumar echoed him, stressing that the Congress must meet the expectations of the people who elected it. Dismissing talk of factionalism, he said, “We will move together, take everyone along, and abide by the party high command.”
The KPCC president added that the discussion covered strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections, ways to counter the opposition, and preparations for a potential no-confidence motion in the upcoming winter session in Belagavi.
He reaffirmed that the 2028 elections would be fought under the leadership of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi.
“The party is going through a difficult phase nationally, but we are confident Karnataka will play a major role in its revival. We will repeat the 2023 victory in 2028,” he said.
Earlier on social media, Shivakumar described the meeting as a “productive discussion on Karnataka’s priorities and the road ahead.”
The leadership debate had simmered for two months and intensified after November 20, when the government completed 2.5 years in office. While Siddaramaiah has maintained he intends to serve a full five-year term, Shivakumar has hinted that he was promised a rotational arrangement after 2.5 years.
