Is Breakfast Politics Heating Up in K'taka with CM Siddaramaiah Visiting Dy CM Shivakumar?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Unity in Leadership: The meeting underscores the importance of collaboration amid leadership disputes.
- Breakfast Diplomacy: Informal gatherings like this can strengthen political ties.
- Security Measures: Increased security reflects the significance of the meeting.
- Upcoming Assembly Session: The meeting is strategically timed before the winter session.
- Shared Responsibilities: Both leaders are committed to follow the party's high command directives.
Bengaluru, Dec 2 (NationPress) In the midst of a leadership conflict, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a visit to the home of Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Shivakumar, accompanied by his brother and former MP D.K. Suresh, greeted him warmly, presenting a bouquet and a shawl to the Chief Minister.
The breakfast meeting was hosted at Shivakumar's private residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru.
Security measures were heightened, with authorities barricading the surrounding roads during the CM’s visit. Former MP D.K. Suresh refrained from commenting at this time. Prior to Siddaramaiah's arrival, Shivakumar was seen smiling and addressing the media outside his residence.
This marks the second breakfast meeting between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar within a week, as the latter extended an invitation to the Chief Minister. Earlier, Siddaramaiah left his official residence, 'Cauvery', to attend this breakfast meeting.
This gathering holds considerable importance amidst ongoing leadership disputes, with Shivakumar being a formidable candidate for the Chief Minister position. Both leaders have expressed their commitment to adhering to the high command's decision on leadership matters.
The meeting aims to convey a strong message of unity as the party prepares for the Assembly's winter session scheduled for December 8 in Belagavi.
Emphasizing the concept of ‘breakfast diplomacy’, strongly supported by the Congress central leadership, Shivakumar mentioned that the breakfast will feature ‘naati koli’ (country chicken), believed to be Siddaramaiah’s favorite dish.
“I have invited the Hon’ble CM for breakfast tomorrow to discuss and enhance our collective efforts for Karnataka,” Shivakumar stated on X on Monday.
He assured that both leaders would continue collaborating as a team, enjoying the delicious ‘naati koli’ during their meeting.
Earlier on Monday, Siddaramaiah noted he had not yet received a call from Shivakumar for breakfast, but affirmed his readiness to go whenever invited. “If I am invited to breakfast by Shivakumar, I will go. He mentioned at the previous breakfast meeting (on November 30) that he would invite me. He indicated I should come to his home for breakfast on Tuesday. However, I have not received any call yet. If he invites me, I will gladly attend,” Siddaramaiah said.
“He (Shivakumar) may call soon. I trust he will definitely invite me,” he added.
Shivakumar, also the state Congress president and a key contender for the Chief Minister's role, remarked last Saturday - following the breakfast meeting at Siddaramaiah's residence - that they stand “together” and will adhere to the party high command's directives.
“Today, I feel joyful. The CM and I had a breakfast meeting. He will also visit my home for dinner in the next couple of days,” he commented.
Earlier on Monday morning, when questioned about inviting the Chief Minister, Shivakumar mentioned that the matter was solely between the two.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I are collaborating like brothers. We participated in the breakfast meeting primarily due to media scrutiny. You (the media) have often suggested there are factions within the party,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar posted on X regarding Hanuman Jayanti on Tuesday, praising Lord Hanuman as the remover of obstacles. His message took on a political undertone as he expressed, “The embodiment of truth, courage, devotion, and a spirit of service - I offer my sincere salutations to Lord Anjaneya. May the grace of Maruti Raya, the remover of hardships, always be upon you.”
“Heartfelt greetings to the people of our state on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti,” he concluded in his post.