Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar: A public bonhomie that never let up

Despite factions within the Congress in the state, led by Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, their public kindness never let up.

Even on Tuesday, they were seen arguing together when both were at the AICC office in Delhi to discuss the transfer of power. On Thursday, when Mr. Siddaramaiah finally resigned, he was seen touching Mr. Shivakumar’s feet and both shared a warm embrace.

While Mr. Shivakumar has never publicly commented on the so-called power-sharing agreement between them, Mr. Siddaramaiah has always maintained that in a democracy there is nothing wrong with his deputy aspiring to become the Prime Minister.

Even when their respective supporters made statements targeting the other, the two leaders often diffused tensions by appearing together and raising hands to indicate their unity. Following the row over the transfer of power in November 2025, the two leaders hosted breakfast for each other to form a united front ahead of the Winter Session in Belagavi.

Speaking in the Assembly recently, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that the silk shawl he was wearing was a gift from Mr. Shivakumar.

By staying true to the courtesy they have shown for more than four years until the 2023 general elections, the transition of power, which was feared to be messy, seems to have happened smoothly.