Amid ongoing speculation over a power-sharing tussle in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met for a carefully watched breakfast meeting on Monday, aiming to project unity within the ruling Congress. The CM reached Shivakumar’s residence early in the day, where he was warmly received by the Deputy CM and his brother, former MP DK Suresh.

The gathering comes at a time when political circles in the state have been abuzz with talk of internal differences over leadership ambitions. Acknowledging the undercurrents, Home Minister G Parameshwara — himself considered a key contender in the state’s leadership equation — admitted that aspirations within a party are natural but expressed confidence that the situation was under control.

Calling for calm, Parameshwara told reporters, “It’s a good thing that our leaders are getting together again for breakfast. All we want is a peaceful settlement of whatever has happened over the month or so. As suggested by the high command, they are meeting for the second time. All the issues are settled. It is just reciprocal, nothing else."

He further highlighted the camaraderie between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, noting that both leaders had taken steps to maintain communication. “Siddaramaiah had called Shivakumar, and now Shivakumar has called Siddaramaiah. It’s a nice development. We normally have a CLP meeting, followed by dinner together. Everything is going smoothly. Different people have different aspirations. I don’t think it is wrong. Naturally, they express their aspirations when the time comes,” he added.