Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday, 9 November 2026, called on former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee member Siddaramaiah at his Cauvery residence in Bengaluru, extending Deepavali greetings even as the ruling party navigates an ongoing sting operation controversy. Political Secretary A.S. Ponnanna was also present at the meeting.

What Was Discussed

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Shivakumar underscored Siddaramaiah's continued authority within the party. 'Siddaramaiah is our leader. There are many issues that I needed to discuss with him,' he said, listing party affairs, upcoming local body elections, and matters concerning several MLAs as agenda items.

He added that specific court orders related to SC/ST issues had necessitated a broader consultation. 'All MLAs have been called, and I will also call MLAs belonging to other communities later. The party needs to take a decision on these matters,' Shivakumar told reporters. Local body elections, he noted, are fast approaching and require coordinated party decisions.

Caste Census Commitment

When asked about a delegation of progressive thinkers who had met Siddaramaiah urging the implementation of a caste census, Shivakumar reaffirmed the government's intent while anchoring it in the party's existing position. 'What is our party's commitment regarding the caste census? We will implement it accordingly. There is nothing more to it. The party has its commitment, and we are also watching the court proceedings,' he said.

This comes amid broader national debate over caste enumeration, with several states and opposition parties pressing the Centre on the issue. Karnataka's Congress government has previously signalled support for such a survey.

Mekedatu Dam Row With Tamil Nadu

Shivakumar also responded to a letter reportedly sent by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing the proposed Mekedatu project, suggesting the Tamil Nadu CM may not have reviewed the relevant Supreme Court order. 'I think the Chief Minister might not have seen the court order. I hope his officers will guide him,' he said.

He maintained that Karnataka intends to use the reservoir's water solely for Bengaluru's drinking water supply and power generation, and invited Tamil Nadu officials to visit the site. 'Karnataka will use the water only for drinking purposes for Bengaluru and power generation. I request them to visit the site and understand that this reservoir will benefit them, not us,' Shivakumar said.

Notably, the Mekedatu project has been a flashpoint between the two states for years, with Tamil Nadu consistently arguing that any new structure on the Cauvery river would affect its downstream water rights. Shivakumar acknowledged both states' positions, stating: 'It is the right of Karnataka to build a dam, and it is the right of Tamil Nadu to receive water.'

The Sting Operation Backdrop

The meeting between the two senior Congress leaders takes on additional significance given the sting operation controversy currently shadowing the Karnataka government. While neither Shivakumar nor Siddaramaiah addressed the sting directly at this meeting, the optics of a high-level in-person consultation signal an effort to maintain internal party cohesion. All eyes will now be on the Congress legislature party's next formal meeting and any decisions taken on MLA-level disciplinary or advisory matters.