KARNATAKA Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy DK Shivakumar broke bread on Saturday. Technically it was idli and vada but their breakfast meeting appeared to ease the power tussle between the two strongmen of Karnataka. Addressing a press conference after their breakfast at the CM’s residence Kaveri, the two leaders put up a united front, asserting there were no differences between them and that they would be united in the future as well. The two men, who have been at loggerheads over the top job, said they will abide by the party high command’s decision. The breakfast meet was convened by the CM at the behest of the Congress high command to end the logjam over the issue bothering the 2.5 year old Congress Government, with the Opposition BJP warning of moving a no confidence motion should the power tussle between the CM and his Deputy continue.

 

Addressing the press conference, Siddaramaiah said, “I had a breakfast meeting with Shivakumar becausesome unwanted confusion was created. It was created by the media.” “We don’t have differences. Eventoday there are no differences, therewon’t be any in future as well. I will ensure that from now on it does not exist,” he said. The Chief Minister said they are united and together they will fight the 2028 Assembly election. Siddaramaiah also stressed that none of the Ministers and the ruling party MLAs are against the Government. “We will face the assembly.We have worked out a strategy on how to face the BJP and the JD(S).

 

They aresaying no confidence motion will be moved. If they bring adjournment motion then we will tackle it,” he said. Onhispart, Shivakumarsaid people had supported the Congress party and brought it to power. Hence, the Congress has to live up to their expectations. Dismissing differences with theCM,Shivakumar said, “we don’t have factionalism.” “We will go together, take everyone along and abide by the party high command.” Shivakumar, who is also the Congress state president, said that he discussed the strategy for the 2028 assembly polls to tackle opposition parties and also the ways to deal with the no confidence motion if the BJP moves it in the upcoming wintersessionofKarnatakalegislative in Belagavi.

 

Healsomadeitclear that the party would fight the 2028 assembly polls under theleadership of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. “The party is in a very difficultstagein thecountry.Westill have the confidence that Karnatakawillplayamajorrole (in its revival). And we will repeat in 2028 (the 2023 poll victory),” he added. Earlier,inasocialmediapost after the breakfast meet, Shivakumar said the two leaders had a productive discussion. “Met Hon’ble CM Shri @siddaramaiah avaru at Cauvery Residence this morning for a breakfast meeting. A productive discussion on Karnataka’s priorities and the road ahead,” he said. Sourcesin theCMO saididli, vada, sambar, chutney and uppittu (Upma) were on the menu for the keenly watched meet over breakfast.