Congress high command steps in as Siddaramaiah–Shivakumar rift widens; breakfast meeting set for tomorrow

Acting on the directive, Siddaramaiah has invited Shivakumar for a breakfast meeting on Saturday, marking the party’s first concrete move to contain the escalating rift.

The intervention comes after a sharp exchange of posts on X, which the leadership reportedly viewed as an unnecessary public showdown.

On Thursday, Shivakumar took a pointed jab, writing: “Keeping one’s word is the greatest strength in the world. Word power is world power.”

The remark was widely seen as a reminder of the rumoured 2023 power-sharing formula, under which both leaders were believed to have agreed to split the Chief Minister’s tenure.

Within hours, Siddaramaiah responded with a counter-message: “A word is not power unless it betters the world for the people. The mandate is not a moment, but a responsibility lasting five full years.”

Party insiders say the public sparring frustrated the central leadership, which immediately asked both leaders to stop airing differences online and present a united front.

Siddaramaiah confirms high command directive

Speaking to reporters in the evening, Siddaramaiah admitted that the high command had asked him to meet his deputy.

“I have called him for breakfast. When he comes, we will discuss the issue,” he said, adding that he would follow whatever instructions the party leadership gives.

He also reiterated that his position remains unchanged and will abide by the high command’s final decision.

Shivakumar, meanwhile, attempted to project calm.

“I don’t want anything, and I am in no hurry. The party will take all decisions,” he told reporters, though speculation remains rife over his ambitions.

Reports in 2023 suggested a 2.5-year rotational chief ministership arrangement, with Shivakumar slated to take over halfway through the government’s term.

While Congress officially denied such an agreement, the conversation has resurfaced this month as the government crossed its halfway mark on November 20.

Adding intrigue, Shivakumar recently referred to a “secret deal” involving “five or six” leaders, without divulging details.

“I have not asked to make me Chief Minister. It is a secret deal… I don’t want to embarrass the party,” he said.

Earlier this month, six Congress MLAs supportive of Shivakumar reportedly travelled to Delhi to meet senior leaders — an indication of growing restlessness within the party ranks. Asked about this, Shivakumar distanced himself, suggesting the MLAs “may be trying to become ministers.”

Congress pushes for unity ahead of Delhi meeting

Sources say the high command wants both leaders to settle the matter before any formal discussions in Delhi.

With the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly approaching, the party is keen to avoid the appearance of internal instability, especially with the BJP preparing to intensify its attack.

For now, all eyes are on tomorrow’s breakfast meeting, seen as an important first step in de-escalating one of the Congress’s most visible internal confrontations this year.