Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has invited Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for a second high-profile breakfast meeting at his Bengaluru residence on Tuesday, as the simmering power struggle over the chief minister’s post reaches fever pitch. The invitation comes barely three days after the Congress high command forced the duo to display unity over breakfast at Siddaramaiah’s official residence on November 29.

The fresh meeting is being seen as a last-ditch effort to calm Shivakumar’s camp, which has openly revived demands for leadership rotation now that Siddaramaiah has completed more than half his five-year term. Loyalists of the Deputy Chief Minister insist on honouring an alleged 2023 understanding that the top post would shift to Shivakumar midway through the term.

During the first breakfast, Siddaramaiah publicly declared there were no differences between the two leaders and none would arise in future, stressing that their sole focus is the 2028 Assembly elections. He reiterated that he would abide by whatever decision the Congress high command takes, while firmly rejecting claims of any mid-term compromise.

Also Read: DK Shivakumar Assures Unity with Siddaramaiah, Focuses on 2028 Karnataka Poll Strategy

Behind the scenes, a delegation of Shivakumar-supporting legislators recently rushed to Delhi to press party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi for immediate elevation of the Karnataka Congress chief. Sources indicate the central leadership is weighing a package of measures, including cabinet reshuffle and organisational changes, to pacify both factions without triggering a full-blown crisis.

With Congress president Kharge having held detailed consultations in the national capital last week, insiders say a final call on the leadership question is expected within days. The outcome of Tuesday’s breakfast at Shivakumar’s residence could either seal a fragile truce or mark the beginning of an open showdown inside Karnataka’s ruling party.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Share Stage Amid Karnataka Power Struggle, Signaling Temporary Truce