No differences, say Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar after breakfast meet

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar projected a united front on Saturday after an hour-long breakfast meeting at the CM’s residence, stressing that both leaders will abide by the Congress high command and put to rest any chatter about differences.Addressing reporters after the meeting, Siddaramaiah said the two leaders had a clear understanding that the party’s decisions would guide them. He dismissed talk of discord, saying the confusion had been stirred by sections of the media. The meeting, he said, was arranged after Congress general secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal suggested that he invite Shivakumar and AS Ponnanna.

The CM said the discussions focused squarely on the road to the 2028 Assembly elections and preparations for the upcoming local body polls. He stressed that the leadership intends to repeat the teamwork that helped the party return to power in 2023, adding that there were “no differences now and none in the future”.

Siddaramaiah also hit back at the BJP and JD(S) for what he termed politically motivated claims. He said the Opposition had neither the numbers nor the credibility to push a no-confidence motion. With the Congress holding 140 seats, he said any such move by the BJP, with 60 MLAs, and the JD(S), with 18, would be little more than posturing.

Shivakumar echoed the CM’s remarks, saying the government’s focus remained on delivering on the promises made to the people. He underlined that the party was politically aligned ahead of the Assembly session, which is beginning on December 8, and reiterated that there was no factionalism within the Congress legislature party. He said all MLAs were working towards strengthening the organisation and securing a return to power in 2028.

Later, in a detailed post, Shivakumar said both leaders remained committed to the high command’s call and would continue working together. He noted that the CM would soon visit his house for meals, emphasising their personal equation and political coordination. He said the party was fully prepared for the winter session and confident of countering the Opposition’s attacks.

Reaffirming loyalty to the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar said the Congress intended not only to retain Karnataka in 2028 but also to contribute meaningfully to the national political landscape in 2029. The government was duty-bound to uphold every commitment made to the people and deliver governance focused on stability and public welfare, he said.