Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar Affirm Unity After High Command Intervention, Dismiss Leadership Rift

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday sought to project a united front after days of intense speculation over internal differences and leadership-related confusion within the ruling Congress.

Following a breakfast meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence, the two leaders jointly addressed the media and reiterated their commitment to following the directives of the party high command.

Siddaramaiah clarified that the Congress leadership in Delhi had instructed both leaders to hold discussions and clear any misunderstandings ahead of the winter session of the state legislature, set to begin on December 8 in Belagavi.

“The high command has asked us to resolve any confusion. From tomorrow, there will be no issues. Even now, there is no confusion, but some sections of the media have been creating it,” he said.

Dismissing speculations triggered by a few MLAs travelling to Delhi, Siddaramaiah said some legislators may have gone seeking ministerial positions, but such developments would not affect the unity of the government or the party. He emphasised that both he and Shivakumar had agreed to continue working together as they did during the 2023 Assembly elections.

The Chief Minister underlined the importance of preparing for upcoming electoral challenges, including the 2028 Assembly polls and local body elections. “We are united. There is no disagreement between us,” he stated. He added that the government was prepared to counter what he called the BJP and JD(S)’s “false propaganda, unfounded allegations and misinformation.”

Referring to the Opposition’s plan to move a no-confidence motion, Siddaramaiah asserted numerical confidence. “We have 140 MLAs. The BJP has only 64 and the JD(S) 18. Even together they have just 82. We will face any accusation strongly,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar echoed similar sentiments, stressing that there were no factions within the party. “We are all part of one Congress group. We will work together and strengthen the organisation,” he stated. Shivakumar added that counter-strategies to tackle the Opposition in the Belagavi session had been discussed.

The breakfast meeting took place following explicit instructions from the AICC leadership. Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal had reportedly contacted both sides to ensure the meeting happened. The two leaders met privately for about 45 minutes, with no ministers, MLAs or personal aides present.

Meanwhile, reports emerged that Shivakumar had held a separate meeting with a few of his close MLAs at a city resort on Friday night, further fuelling talk of internal tension. However, both leaders sought to put such speculation to rest, affirming that the Congress remains united under the guidance of the high command.

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