Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah share breakfast amid quiet power shift.
Sources suggest a clear shift of power in Karnataka by 2027, favoring DK Shivakumar’s rise.
Karnataka’s political corridors were abuzz on Thursday morning as Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shared what some insiders are already calling a “power breakfast.” The meeting, held at the serene Cauvery Residence, was brief but significant, and the agenda, sources say, was far from ordinary: to chart a path for a transition of power from Siddaramaiah to Shivakumar. While speculation and humour abound — some joking that the handover might even happen “by lunch” — the reality, insiders insist, is a carefully calibrated political strategy.
Shivakumar himself took a measured approach in his social media update, writing, “Met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Cauvery Residence this morning for a breakfast meeting. A productive discussion on Karnataka’s priorities and the road ahead.” The understated post signals an important truth: while the transition is anticipated, it is still a work in progress, designed to maintain stability in the Congress-led government and avoid public turbulence.
Until the power shift formally takes place, Shivakumar will continue to serve as Deputy Chief Minister, sources said. The Congress leadership is reportedly keen to avoid a public spectacle in Karnataka — one of its few strongholds. A sudden unseating of a long-serving leader like Siddaramaiah could create fractures within the party, making a carefully orchestrated handover the preferred route.
Sources indicate that Shivakumar is likely to accept a transition backed by Siddaramaiah, citing several compelling reasons. First, a cooperative transition means Shivakumar’s loyalists could secure more cabinet berths in the upcoming reshuffle, consolidating his influence within the state machinery. Second, he retains his position as state Congress chief, keeping his political base firmly intact. Third, he does not currently possess the numbers for a hostile takeover, making collaboration the most strategic choice. And finally, it appears to be the best deal available under the existing circumstances, ensuring that Shivakumar benefits without risking unnecessary confrontation.
In the immediate term, Shivakumar is expected to fly to Delhi this evening to meet with the party’s central leadership, likely to outline the roadmap and secure the top brass’ endorsement. Siddaramaiah, by contrast, is reportedly comfortable staying put, confident in his current position and the stability of his support network.
The transition, however, will not be straightforward. Several tests lie ahead — from how much trust Shivakumar can place in Siddaramaiah during the handover, to the extent to which their supporters accept the arrangements. In Karnataka’s intricate political landscape, a power transfer is never just an administrative matter; it is a delicate balancing act of personalities, castes, and loyalties.
Siddaramaiah himself represents a complex layer of Karnataka’s political dynamics. From the party’s perspective, he is not an easy figure to unseat. As the most prominent face of the AHINDA political alignment — a coalition of minority and historically disadvantaged communities aimed at challenging the dominance of the Lingayat sect and OBC Vokkaligas — Siddaramaiah carries significant weight. His political clout is built on decades of careful coalition-building, grassroots mobilization, and electoral strategy.
Shivakumar, meanwhile, is recognized as a leading representative of the OBC Vokkaliga community, a key electoral group in the state. His rise within the party has been steady, blending strategic patience with assertive political maneuvering. Unlike a sudden or hostile takeover, a negotiated transition ensures that Shivakumar’s community base remains confident and engaged, while still respecting the legacy and authority of Siddaramaiah.
The “power breakfast” itself was reportedly cordial and professional. Sources say the two leaders discussed priorities for the state, how best to manage the transition in a way that avoids public unrest, and strategies to strengthen the Congress’ position ahead of the 2027 political cycle. While no formal timeline has been publicly announced, insiders suggest that March or April 2026 could see the first steps of this transition, allowing both leaders time to manage expectations within the party and among the electorate.
Observers note that the Karnataka Congress seems determined to handle this transition quietly, avoiding public theatrics. A controlled handover benefits both parties: Siddaramaiah can step back without appearing weakened, while Shivakumar consolidates influence in preparation for eventual leadership. It is a rare instance in Indian politics where a transfer of power is being plotted with care, calculation, and an eye on stability, rather than abrupt confrontation.
As Karnataka watches, the coming months will reveal how well this strategy succeeds. The combination of caste dynamics, internal party calculations, and the delicate management of loyalist networks will determine whether the transition proceeds smoothly or encounters friction. One thing is clear: this breakfast meeting was more than just a casual encounter. It was a quiet negotiation, a signalling exercise, and the first visible step in a long-anticipated shift of power in Karnataka.
For now, both leaders remain in their current positions, projecting calm and control. But behind the scenes, the gears of political transition are turning — a careful dance of strategy, loyalty, and ambition that could redefine Karnataka’s political landscape in the coming year.