Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar Reaffirm Unity, Vow Joint Leadership for 2028 Elections

Bengaluru, Nov 2025: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday firmly dismissed speculation of internal conflict, declaring that their unity remains intact and will continue in the years ahead. Addressing a joint press conference at the CM’s official residence, Cauvery, the two leaders announced that they would work together not only through the current term but also toward securing victory in the 2028 Assembly elections.

Speaking to the media after their much-watched breakfast meeting, CM Siddaramaiah said, “We go together. There is no difference between us.” He added that recent speculation was the result of “confusion created” in political circles and by sections of the media. “Our goal is to win the 2028 Assembly elections and the upcoming local body polls. Just as we worked together during the 2023 elections, we will continue to work together. There is no difference now, and there will be none in the future,” he asserted.

When asked about claims regarding a “given word,” supposedly linked to leadership rotation, Siddaramaiah responded sharply: “What is this ‘given word’? I have always said that we will follow whatever the high command decides.” He reiterated repeatedly that the party leadership’s decision would be final.

Responding to persistent questions about power-sharing, Siddaramaiah said, “Whatever the high command tells us, we will obey. Whether you understand it or not, we cannot answer every question you ask.” He stressed that attempts to project differences between him and Shivakumar were baseless. “Our unity will continue. We are together. KPCC President Shivakumar and I are united,” he said.

Regarding reports of MLAs travelling to Delhi amid leadership speculation, Siddaramaiah clarified, “I spoke about a Cabinet reshuffle. That does not mean they are against the leadership. Several MLAs have spoken to me after returning from Delhi and explained their reasons.” He emphasised that no MLAs or ministers were against the government.

Sharing details about the breakfast meeting, Siddaramaiah said, “Breakfast was good. Dy CM Shivakumar, Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna and I were present. But we did not discuss anything during breakfast — we only ate.” He explained that AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal had instructed both leaders to meet and clear any misunderstandings before the Assembly’s Winter Session. “Shivakumar even invited me for dinner, but I told him we must first hold the breakfast meeting as instructed.”

Looking ahead to the Winter Session of the Assembly beginning on December 8, Siddaramaiah said the government was prepared to counter the Opposition. “We will face the Opposition effectively — whether it is the BJP or JD(S). It is their habit to spread false propaganda. Shivakumar and I have devised a strategy to counter them.”

On the Opposition’s claim that they may bring a no-confidence motion, the CM dismissed it as unrealistic. “We have a strength of 142. They have only 64. JD(S) has just 18. Together they are 82. A no-confidence motion will be a futile exercise,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar reinforced Siddaramaiah’s message of unity. “As far as the leadership issue is concerned, we will abide by the party high command. Whatever the party tells us, we will implement. We are loyal soldiers of the party,” he said.

Shivakumar also affirmed that the Congress government remained stable and united, adding that their combined leadership would continue with full cooperation.

The coordinated statements from both leaders have significantly eased tensions within the party, signalling a renewed effort to present a united front as Karnataka heads into an important political phase.