Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar Meet Over Breakfast, Send Strong Message of Congress Unity

Bengaluru, Dec 2025 : In a highly anticipated show of solidarity, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the residence of Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday morning for a private breakfast meeting, signaling unity within the party ahead of the upcoming Assembly Winter Session. The leaders spent nearly one-and-a-half hours together, discussing party strategy, government affairs, and the broader political landscape, while reiterating their commitment to work together and abide by the decision of Congress high command, including MP Rahul Gandhi, on the leadership issue.

Addressing the media alongside Dy CM Shivakumar after the meeting, CM Siddaramaiah described their relationship as that of “brothers,” emphasizing that their unity is long-standing and not limited to such meetings. “Shivakumar had previously visited our residence for breakfast and invited me to his home for a meal. I accepted the invitation, and today I came for breakfast,” he said.

The discussion focused heavily on the party’s preparedness for the Winter Session, scheduled to begin on December 8 and continue for two weeks. Siddaramaiah highlighted key political challenges, including the BJP’s plans for a no-confidence motion, and shared that strategies for countering these moves had been reviewed. “We discussed how to conduct the Assembly session and will face all issues aggressively. Our leaders, including Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, are already in discussion,” he added.

On the leadership question, the Chief Minister remained measured. “Whatever decision the high command and Rahul Gandhi take, we will abide by it. Shivakumar and I are always together; our unity is not limited to breakfast meetings,” he said. Siddaramaiah also confirmed upcoming engagements with senior party leaders, including National General Secretary K.C. Venugopal in Mangaluru, and hinted at a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting where he and Shivakumar will dine together.

Adding a personal touch to the event, Siddaramaiah shared that he enjoyed idlis and ‘natikoli saaru,’ a chicken gravy dish prepared especially for him. Shivakumar, who follows a vegetarian diet, avoided non-vegetarian items and had idlis with vegetable sambar. The CM humorously noted that he requested “native country chicken” from Shivakumar’s residence, as the original breed is hard to source in Bengaluru.

The breakfast gathering was attended by Shivakumar’s brother and former MP D.K. Suresh, along with Congress MLA and Shivakumar supporter H.D. Ranganath, both of whom participated in honoring the Chief Minister. Suresh and Ranganath touched Siddaramaiah’s feet in a traditional gesture of respect, while Suresh presented a bouquet and a shawl to the CM. Siddaramaiah, in turn, invited them to share the breakfast.

Taking to social media, Dy CM Shivakumar wrote on X, “Hosted the Hon’ble CM for breakfast at my residence today as we reaffirm our commitment to good governance and the continued development of our state under the Congress’ vision.”

Organized at Shivakumar’s private residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru, the meeting highlighted a carefully choreographed balance of political camaraderie and strategic planning. Observers note that these ‘breakfast diplomacy’ sessions are aimed at projecting party unity, reassuring cadres, and ensuring seamless coordination ahead of the winter Assembly session and future electoral challenges, including the 2028 Assembly elections.

By blending informal personal interaction with serious political deliberation, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar’s breakfast meeting has sent a clear message: despite ongoing leadership speculations, the two senior Congress leaders are aligned and committed to working together for the party and Karnataka’s development.

Team Maverick.