Bengaluru, Nov 29 (NationPress) The breakfast meeting scheduled for Saturday between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also the State Congress President, has gained significant attention due to the ongoing leadership turmoil concerning the Chief Minister’s position. This situation has sparked considerable activity within political circles, prompting authorities to enhance security measures in anticipation of the crucial meeting.

Arrangements are underway at the Chief Minister’s residence in Bengaluru for this prominent breakfast gathering. Close associates of CM Siddaramaiah have indicated that he has also invited several ministers who share his close ties.

According to insiders, all invited individuals are expected to participate in the breakfast meeting, after which a private discussion between CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar will ensue. Following Shivakumar's departure, CM Siddaramaiah will host an informal gathering with his close ministers, which has piqued interest.

To ensure confidentiality, precautions have been put in place, allowing only trusted personnel to be present at the CM’s residence.

The CM’s Legal Advisor and MLA A.S. Ponnanna was seen arriving at the CM’s residence ahead of the breakfast meeting.

This meeting has been convened by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah under the directive of the High Command. Reports suggest that the national leadership has instructed both leaders to meet and report back on the outcome. Due to this development, Dy CM Shivakumar's travel plans to Delhi were unexpectedly cancelled.

Both CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar have called off all their scheduled activities for the day. It is anticipated that after the meeting, Shivakumar will head to Delhi to join his brother, former MP D.K. Suresh, who is in the capital seeking an appointment with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.

The High Command has emphasized that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar should first engage in dialogue to achieve a mutual understanding, avoiding any confusion before arriving in Delhi. This directive has spurred the convening of this breakfast meeting.

High Command leaders have explicitly stated that they should not arrive in Delhi at odds. The national leadership has issued a firm instruction for both to travel to Delhi together, as per insider information.

In a formal attempt to address the leadership crisis in Karnataka, the Congress high command has advised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D.K. Shivakumar to meet and convey their findings to the central leadership.

AICC General Secretary and MP K.C. Venugopal has reached out to both leaders, encouraging them to resolve their differences and report back to the High Command.

Party sources suggest that if the bilateral meeting is successful, a proposed joint visit to Delhi for a central resolution might be cancelled, helping the party avoid further embarrassment. Conversely, if they fail to reach an agreement, national leaders may summon both to Delhi on Sunday, November 30, with a decision expected to be made in a meeting led by Sonia Gandhi.

Siddaramaiah confirmed the developments to the media in Bengaluru, stating that he had invited Shivakumar for a breakfast meeting at the behest of the High Command.

"The high command has instructed us to meet first and then proceed to Delhi. Hence, I have invited him for breakfast," he explained.

The Chief Minister reiterated that his stance regarding the leadership issue remains unchanged. "I have consistently stated that I will abide by the High Command's decision. My commitment to this statement remains steadfast today and will continue tomorrow," Siddaramaiah affirmed.

He noted that Shivakumar had expressed a similar viewpoint, and both intend to go to Delhi when requested.

Previously, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge indicated that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would be called to meet the national leadership in Delhi to resolve the matter.

The political rivalry has led to public disputes and conflicting assertions from both factions. Siddaramaiah had previously insisted he would serve as Chief Minister for the next five years, while Shivakumar’s supporters have advocated for a leadership change—an impasse that has necessitated the intervention of the High Command.

Congress veteran and former Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily expressed his criticism of the internal conflict, noting that the party's struggle over the Chief Ministership has caused national embarrassment. Moily also criticized the High Command for its delayed response, arguing that senior leaders failed to act promptly, which exacerbated the situation.

He condemned the competitive attitudes and posturing within the state unit, labeling the situation as indicative of an "anarchic" internal state.