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‘I know my limits’: DK Shivakumar downplays rift with CM Siddaramaiah after high-profile meeting
BENGALURU: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday dismissed speculation about differences between him and chief minister Siddaramaiah, a day after their closely watched breakfast meeting.
“Being the party president, I know my limits. I have never made any comment or expressed any difference of opinion with the CM. There is no difference between us. We are all working together,” Shivakumar told reporters.
He added that the Congress government was focused on delivering on the aspirations of the people and preparing its strategy for the 2028–29 political cycle. “The CM and I will work out a plan. We want to call an all-party meeting on various issues,” he said.
#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka DCM DK Shivakumar says, "There is no difference between me and the CM. Being the party president, I know my limits. Nowhere have I made any comments or expressed a difference of opinion with the CM. We are all working together. There are a lot of… pic.twitter.com/kOkLogpGzJ
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2025
Closed-door meeting amid speculation
The private meeting at the CM’s residence — over a traditional idli-vada-sambar breakfast — was reportedly prompted by the party’s central leadership, following persistent rumours about a power-sharing formula in the Karnataka government.
Sources said the discussion “hit a bit of an impasse,” with Shivakumar making a case for leading the government at a later stage, citing his organisational contributions. Siddaramaiah is said to have indicated that a transition could be considered after the 2028 assembly polls, subject to consultation with Rahul Gandhi.
Leaders project unity
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar publicly maintained that the meeting focused on governance, party affairs and preparations for the upcoming winter session starting December 8. Siddaramaiah dismissed talk of a rift, blaming the media and opposition for fuelling speculation.
Shivakumar echoed the chief minister, saying there was “no conflict” and emphasising that both leaders were committed to administrative focus and party unity. “The party is in a difficult stage nationally, but we are confident Karnataka will play a key role in its revival. We will repeat in 2028 the victory we achieved in 2023,” he said.
What lies ahead
Party insiders say the Congress high command is expected to review the leadership question in January. Speculation is likely to intensify as Siddaramaiah approaches January 7, the day he is set to become the longest-serving chief minister in Karnataka’s history, surpassing Devaraj Urs.
