The high-stakes tussle for the Chief Minister's post in Karnataka witnessed a temporary thaw on Friday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah extended an invitation to his deputy, D.K. Shivakumar (DKS), for a breakfast meeting on Saturday. The move comes as a direct instruction from the Congress High Command in New Delhi, urging the two senior leaders to resolve the brewing leadership crisis that intensified after the government completed its two-and-a-half-year mark.
The High Command’s Intervention
The political signaling between the two leaders had escalated into an open "word war" on social media earlier this week, with DKS's camp hinting at a purported "power-sharing agreement" that would see the Deputy CM take the top chair at the halfway point. This public spat prompted the central leadership, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, to intervene.
Following the High Command's directive, Siddaramaiah confirmed the invitation, stating, "The party high command had called me and him (D.K. Shivakumar) and asked us to have a meeting. Hence, I have invited him for breakfast tomorrow. We will discuss when he comes."
A Shared Stance of Obedience
Crucially, both leaders reiterated their commitment to the party's ultimate decision, an essential display of discipline as the internal conflict threatened to destabilize the state unit.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reaffirmed his position, stating, "There is no change in my stand and I have said I will listen to whatever the high command says. Both of us have said that we will obey whatever the party high command says." He also indicated his readiness to travel to New Delhi if summoned by the central leadership.
D.K. Shivakumar, while emphasizing his focus on party work, echoed a similar sentiment, declaring, "I don't want anything. I am not in a hurry. My party will make a decision."
Pressure from Both Camps
The truce overture comes amidst intense lobbying by supporters of both leaders in New Delhi. DKS's loyalist MLAs have been actively seeking the intervention of the central brass to honor the rumored rotational CM pact. Conversely, Siddaramaiah’s camp insists the CM will complete his full five-year term, citing the popular mandate for continuity and stability.
The breakfast meeting at the Chief Minister's residence, 'Cauvery', is widely seen as a crucial step toward de-escalation, intended to project an image of unity before the Congress High Command takes the final, binding decision on the future leadership of Karnataka.
