DKS stresses loyalty, unity with Siddaramaiah after breakfast meet, says 'we abide by the high command'

Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday sought to shut down speculation over a possible leadership change in the state, saying he and his colleagues will fully abide by whatever decision the Congress high command takes.

Calling himself a “loyal soldier” of the party, Shivakumar stressed that Karnataka will play a major role, and will be back in power in 2028, and move forward in 2029 as well under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

“The high command will decide. We are loyal party workers. Whatever decision they take, we will follow,” he said in a post on X.

We abide by the High Command.

Today, I and the Hon’ble Chief Minister had a breakfast meeting. The CM will be coming to my house for lunch or dinner in the next few days as well. We have joined together and worked together. The workers of the state have supported us, and the… pic.twitter.com/xQGMYa8f8o — DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 29, 2025

His remarks came after a breakfast meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the latter’s official residence in Bengaluru. The meeting, held amid renewed chatter about friction between the two top leaders, was aimed at projecting unity ahead of the Assembly session beginning December 8. Shivakumar said Siddaramaiah would also visit his home for lunch or dinner soon, underscoring that the relationship between them remains cordial.

Shivakumar said the Congress was voted to power with a “massive mandate” in 2023 and that both he and the chief minister were focused on delivering on every promise made to the people.

Siddaramaiah, too, dismissed talk of discord, saying there were “no differences now or in the future” and that the two leaders were already discussing strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections. Both leaders said Saturday’s meeting covered governance priorities, preparations for the winter session, and ways to counter the opposition more effectively.

The Congress central leadership has been working to quell speculation over power-sharing, especially amid questions on whether the party might consider a mid-term shift in the chief minister’s post.

Shivakumar also expressed confidence that the Congress would retain Karnataka in 2028 and play a significant role nationally in 2029 under the guidance of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.