Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar meets CM Siddaramaiah for ‘power breakfast’

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for a brief “power breakfast” this morning.

The purpose of the meeting?

To discuss a potential transition of power from Siddaramaiah to Shivakumar, possibly as early as March–April 2026 – or, according to some speculation with a touch of humour, “by lunch.”

A photograph of the two leaders enjoying a traditional Karnataka breakfast of upma, idli and kesari bath quickly circulated, sending a subtle signal that relations between the two remain cordial.

Sources indicate that the meeting was focused on working out the details of what is now being referred to as the “Shivakumar–Siddaramaiah compromise formula.” Until such a transition occurs, Shivakumar is expected to continue serving as deputy to Siddaramaiah. The Congress is reportedly keen to avoid a public spectacle in its Karnataka unit – one of the few states it currently governs – as abruptly unseating a longstanding leader like Siddaramaiah could damage the party.

According to insiders, Shivakumar is likely to support a transition endorsed by Siddaramaiah for several reasons: his loyalists would gain more cabinet positions in a reshuffle, he would retain his post as state Congress chief, he does not currently have the numbers for a hostile move against the chief minister, and, perhaps most importantly, it appears to be the best possible deal available to him under the circumstances.