Siddaramaiah–Shivakumar Reaffirm Unity, Say Will Follow High Command
Bengaluru: After an hour-long idli-sambar and upma breakfast on Saturday morning, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar reaffirmed the harmony within the Congress, saying both the leaders will follow the decisions of the party high command and resolve any “mess”.
Siddaramaiah told a press conference: “We have decided to follow whatever the high command says. There will be no confusion from tomorrow… Some media reporters have created the confusion.”
The CM had invited his deputy to a breakfast meeting at his Cauvery residence after Congress General Secretary (Organization) KC Venugopal suggested the interaction. Both leaders discussed the state’s priorities and future road map.
According to Siddaramaiah, the discussion focused on preparations for the 2028 elections and the upcoming local body elections.
“Our agenda is the 2028 elections… We discussed going together as in 2023. There is no difference between us,” he said.
Hitting out at the BJP and JDS for “false allegations”, he added that plans for a no-confidence motion were in vain considering the numerical strength of the Congress in the Assembly.
Deputy CM Shivakumar also echoed the CM’s words and said that their focus remains on fulfilling the wishes of the people.
“We will follow whatever the party’s high command decides,” he said.
During the Assembly session on December 8, Shivakumar said preparations were going well and dismissed speculations of factionalism.
“There is no factionalism. All MLAs should work together to bring back the government in 2028,” he said.
Although both leaders presented a united front, the final decision on leadership now rests with the Congress high command. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi are expected to meet them and other MLAs before taking a phone call.
