A crucial face-to-face meeting between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar took place at the Chief Minister’s residence in Bengaluru, aiming to ease growing internal friction within the Congress government over leadership transition. While the gathering was publicly described as a friendly breakfast, sources indicate that the atmosphere was serious and candid, and the discussions were focused on the terms of an eventual power-handover.
In recent months, Shivakumar’s political camp had increasingly pressed for clarity regarding his expected succession to the Chief Minister’s role. Several MLAs associated with him signalled their support for a leadership change, while Siddaramaiah retained broad support among legislators, particularly from OBC and AHINDA sections, giving him strong leverage within the Assembly.
During the meeting, both leaders are understood to have discussed a phased arrangement, later referred to as a “compromise formula.” Under this plan, Siddaramaiah will continue as Chief Minister for the time being, ensuring continuity, while Shivakumar remains Deputy Chief Minister and retains control of the state Congress unit. Additionally, some key cabinet positions are likely to be allocated to Shivakumar loyalists as a gesture of balance. The eventual succession plan reportedly targets a leadership transition after the upcoming state budget session in early 2026, or at a strategically chosen point prior to the 2028 state elections.
After the meeting, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar appeared before the press together, portraying unity and affirming their shared commitment to stable governance. Shivakumar downplayed rumours of hostility, stating that both leaders were working in coordination and focusing on electoral strategies and administrative priorities.
However, political observers caution that the meeting, although cordial and constructive in presentation, reflects underlying factional tension that has not completely vanished. The Congress high command in Delhi has reportedly urged both leaders to maintain cohesion, stressing that any internal instability could present opportunities for political opponents.
As of now, the compromise framework appears to have eased immediate tensions, allowing the government to function without further public confrontation. But beneath the surface, the delicate balancing of power between the veteran Siddaramaiah and the ambitious Shivakumar remains a central storyline in Karnataka’s political landscape — one that may culminate in a carefully negotiated transfer of leadership in the months ahead.