Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar touched Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's feet and embraced him during a breakfast meeting at the CM's official residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru on Thursday, 28 May, in a gesture that has drawn sharp political attention amid intensifying speculation over a leadership transition in Karnataka. The photographs, released simultaneously by both leaders' offices, are widely seen as a coordinated signal of unity within the state Indian National Congress (Congress).

What Happened at Kaveri

Shivakumar arrived at Siddaramaiah's official residence accompanied by several cabinet ministers and senior Congress leaders aligned with the Chief Minister. Upon arrival, Shivakumar greeted Siddaramaiah with a traditional gesture of respect — touching his feet — before the two shared a warm embrace. Party sources indicated the photographs were intentionally released by both camps to project a message of solidarity and coordination at the top of the Karnataka Congress leadership.

Several MLAs considered close to Siddaramaiah also participated in the breakfast meeting, underlining the gathering's political weight beyond a routine courtesy call.

Siddaramaiah's Expected Resignation

The meeting comes against the backdrop of reports that Siddaramaiah has been directed by the party to submit his resignation to the Governor's office by 3 pm on Thursday. Congress sources maintained that the timeline would hold even though Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has left Bengaluru, triggering a fresh round of speculation. Party leaders asserted that the Governor's absence from the city would not disrupt the process.

This is a significant development: if confirmed, it would mark the end of Siddaramaiah's current term as Chief Minister and open the question of succession — with Shivakumar widely regarded as the frontrunner.

What the Party Said

AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday dismissed reports of any 'power-sharing' arrangement and stated that no official decision regarding a change of Chief Minister had been discussed. His remarks, however, have done little to dampen speculation, given the visible choreography around Thursday's breakfast.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara, reacting to the photographs from the meeting, said he was unaware of the details and would seek more information. When asked whether removing Siddaramaiah could send a negative signal to oppressed communities and Dalits, Parameshwara replied, 'Let's wait and watch.'

Political Significance

Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Congress President, has long been considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister's post. His public display of deference toward Siddaramaiah — at a moment of maximum political sensitivity — is being read by observers as a carefully managed optic designed to ease any perception of rivalry. Notably, the simultaneous release of photographs by both offices suggests a degree of coordination that goes beyond a spontaneous gesture.

The broader context is a Congress government navigating its midterm, with the party high command reportedly driving the timeline for any transition. All eyes are now on Siddaramaiah's expected media address following the breakfast meeting, where he is likely to address the resignation rumours directly.