Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met to quell speculation of a power-sharing tussle.

NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Saturday held a closely watched joint press briefing, where both netas projected a united front and stressed that there were “no differences” between them, despite ongoing chatter within Congress party about a power-sharing formula in the state.The meeting came after the Congress high command nudged both leaders to sit together and clear the air. After the interaction, the two senior Congress leaders addressed a joint press briefing and calling reports of a rift “manufactured confusion.”

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said the conversation had gone well and emphasised unity. “Breakfast was very good. All three of us ( CM, deputy CM and advisor) enjoyed it,” he said. “We want to put an end to the confusion. Our mission is very clear — local elections are very important, and for the 2028 elections we are ensuring that Congress comes back to power. There is no difference between me and DKS — not now, not before.“He added “The media has created this confusion. From tomorrow, let there be no confusion.” He reiterated that both leaders would abide by the direction of the Congress high command, saying, “What the high command says, we will listen to and abide by.” Siddaramaiah added that the Assembly session beginning December 8 would be conducted smoothly and that the party would “fight BJP and JD(S) together.”Shivakumar, echoing the chief minister, said the mandate given by the people required both leaders to work in cohesion. “People have shown great trust and given a massive mandate to us. It is our duty to deliver to the people of Karnataka,” he said. “The government was formed under the leadership of Siddaramaiah. People have trust in Congress. Both of us have full trust in our leadership. One word from the high command — if they tell me to wait, I will wait. Both of us will follow whatever the high command says.” He added that, “Whatever the CM says, I agree with him. We will not allow outsiders to interfere.” Shivakumar also said that Siddaramaiah would visit his home soon for lunch or dinner, we discussed the strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections. We have been loyal soldiers of the party. We know the party is in a difficult situation nationally, but we will keep it strong in Karnataka,” he said.Saturday’s meeting followed Siddaramaiah’s comments a day earlier that the high command had spoken to both leaders and directed them to meet. On social media, both leaders described the breakfast meeting as productive, with Siddaramaiah posting that they had “a brief chat,” while Shivakumar called it a discussion on “Karnataka’s priorities and the road ahead.” The BJP, however, dismissed the optics as “pure bunkum,” claiming that the Congress was attempting to cover up an internal power struggle. Despite the criticism, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar maintained that their united stance would continue and that there was “no confusion” within the state’s leadership.