Bengaluru (IANS): The Congress high command has taken its first concrete step to calm the escalating leadership rift in Karnataka by directing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to meet privately and report their decisions to Delhi. Acting on this instruction, Siddaramaiah has invited Shivakumar for a breakfast meeting at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, clearing his entire day for the discussion. While the invitation went out promptly, Shivakumar had yet to respond, according to party insiders.
AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal is said to have spoken with both leaders, urging them to arrive at an internal understanding before involving the central leadership. Sources suggest that if Saturday’s meeting yields a breakthrough, a planned joint trip to Delhi may be cancelled, avoiding further embarrassment for the party. However, if no consensus emerges, both leaders are expected to be called to the capital on Sunday, November 30.
Siddaramaiah confirmed the developments, stating he extended the invitation as instructed by the high command. He reiterated that he remains fully committed to accepting the leadership’s final decision and noted that Shivakumar has expressed a similar commitment. Both, he said, will travel to Delhi when summoned.
The conflict has played out publicly in recent weeks, with Siddaramaiah asserting he would continue as chief minister for the full five-year term, while Shivakumar’s camp has pushed for a mid-term change. The growing friction prompted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to intervene and call both leaders to Delhi.
Veteran leader M. Veerappa Moily criticised the prolonged infighting, calling it damaging and avoidable. He accused the high command of responding too slowly and allowing tensions to spiral into what he described as an “anarchic” state. For now, the central leadership aims to enforce discipline and restore unity as the party prepares for upcoming political challenges. How Saturday’s meeting unfolds may determine whether Delhi must step in directly.
