Shivakumar touches Siddaramaiah’s feet, seeks blessings at breakfast meeting

BENGALURU: Amid intense speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar met over breakfast at the former's official residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, who is considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post, arrived at the residence along with several cabinet ministers and senior Congress leaders close to Siddaramaiah.

The meeting has attracted major political attention as rumours surrounding Siddaramaiah’s possible resignation continue to dominate Karnataka politics.

In a significant political gesture, Shivakumar received a warm welcome from Siddaramaiah upon his arrival at the residence. After greeting the Chief Minister, Shivakumar touched Siddaramaiah’s feet as a mark of respect and later hugged him. Photographs of the interaction were released by both Siddaramaiah’s and Shivakumar’s offices.

The visuals of Shivakumar seeking Siddaramaiah’s blessings have assumed political significance amid ongoing speculation over a possible power transition in the state Congress.

Photos showing the bonhomie between the two senior Congress leaders quickly went viral on social media. Sources within the party indicated that the photographs were intentionally released by both camps to send out a message of unity and coordination within the Karnataka Congress leadership.

Along with cabinet ministers, several MLAs considered close to Siddaramaiah are also participating in the breakfast meeting.

Following the meeting, Siddaramaiah is expected to address the media and provide clarity on the ongoing rumours regarding his possible resignation as Chief Minister and the future leadership arrangement in Karnataka.

Minister for Home G. Parameshwara, reacting to the developments at Siddaramaiah’s residence and the photographs released from the meeting, stated that he was not aware of them and would find out more details.

Commenting on the rumours surrounding Siddaramaiah’s resignation, Parameshwara said that the matter rests entirely with the party high command.

When asked whether the removal of Siddaramaiah from the Chief Minister’s post would send out a wrong message to oppressed classes and Dalits, he replied, “Let’s wait and watch”.