The Congress high command has initiated a direct dialogue between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to resolve the escalating leadership row within the state unit. Party sources have confirmed that both leaders have been asked to meet and then convey their consensus to the central leadership.
In line with this directive, Siddaramaiah has scheduled a breakfast meeting with Shivakumar for Saturday. This engagement is a deliberate attempt to foster understanding and unity between the two key figures of the Karnataka Congress. Officials have confirmed that Siddaramaiah has made himself available for this important discussion.
Senior party leader K.C. Venugopal has been instrumental in facilitating this interaction, having spoken to both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. He has urged them to work towards a mutually agreeable solution and report back to the central leadership, thereby preventing any further internal friction.
Success in these bilateral talks could negate the need for a joint delegation to travel to Delhi, thus avoiding potential embarrassment. However, if an agreement is not reached, the national leadership is prepared to summon both leaders to Delhi to adjudicate the matter. Siddaramaiah has reiterated his commitment to respecting the high command’s verdict, a sentiment reportedly shared by Shivakumar.
The ongoing dispute, characterized by competing assertions from both leaders’ camps, has created a challenging situation. The party’s priority is to restore internal harmony and project a strong, unified image ahead of crucial political junctures.