What’s really going on behind these breakfast meetings?
What looks like two leaders casually sitting down for breakfast is actually part of a much bigger political drama in Karnataka.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar have been under the spotlight for months because of a quiet but very real tug-of-war over the Chief Minister’s chair.
Many people inside their party believe that when the government was formed in 2023, there was a sort of unwritten understanding: Siddaramaiah would be CM for the first half of the term, and Shivakumar would take over for the second half. Now that the halfway point has arrived, Shivakumar’s supporters are pushing hard for the switch.
This has created tension — not an open fight, but a kind of silent disagreement that everyone can see.
Why these breakfast meetings matter so much?
These breakfasts are not random. They are carefully planned and happen at a time when rumours about a leadership change are growing louder.
Here’s what the meetings are meant to do:
1. Calm down growing tension inside the party
Some MLAs and party workers openly want Shivakumar to take over. Others want Siddaramaiah to finish the full term. So the high command in Delhi asked both leaders to publicly show they’re united. Having breakfast together is a simple way to send that message.
2. Reassure the public that the government is stable
Karnataka has a big legislature session coming up. Any sign of internal chaos right now would be bad for the ruling party. When the CM and Deputy CM sit together smiling over dosa and coffee, it tells people: “Don’t worry, we’re handling things.”
3. Prevent the issue from exploding into a full-blown crisis
The leadership tussle isn’t solved — far from it. But these friendly meetings help prevent things from getting out of control.
What’s happening inside the breakfast meets (beyond the food)
Yes, the meetings involve food. Yes, they shake hands and smile for photos. But inside the room, these conversations are serious:
They talk about which MLAs are unhappy.
They discuss how to handle pressure from Shivakumar’s camp.
Siddaramaiah reassures that he’s following the party’s direction.
Shivakumar emphasizes loyalty but also hints at his expectations.
They try to strike a balance that keeps both sides calm — at least for now.
Recently, they even served “naati chicken” and local dishes, which some say is a subtle message: We’re simple, accessible, and united.
What the leaders are saying publicly?
Both are sticking to a safe script:
Siddaramaiah: “There are no differences. We will work together till 2028.”
Shivakumar: “I am a loyal soldier of the party. There is no power struggle.”
But everyone knows these statements are more about political courtesy than literal truth.
What people inside the party really feel?
Many Congress workers believe:
Shivakumar has waited patiently for years and now wants his turn.
Siddaramaiah remains extremely popular with voters and MLAs and doesn’t want to step down.
Delhi is trying not to upset either leader because both are crucial for the party.
So the party is trying to float the boat without rocking it.
What this breakfast saga tells us?
This whole situation shows how Indian politics often works:
Serious negotiations happen over simple meals.
Personal relationships matter as much as official positions.
Leaders publicly hug even while their supporters quietly push opposite agendas.
Symbolic gestures — like having breakfast together — can calm a storm temporarily.
At the heart of it, both men know they need each other for the party to survive in Karnataka.
