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Karnataka power tussle: Days after a “breakfast truce”, DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah exchanged barbs while sharing stage at a government event in Hassan
DK Shivakumar (left) and Siddaramaiah at an event in Hassan. (News18)
The fragile peace between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appears to be fraying once again.
Just days after the Congress High Command orchestrated a “breakfast truce” to quell rumours of a leadership rift, both leaders exchanged fresh, cryptic barbs while sharing a stage at a government event in Hassan on Saturday.
While the two leaders attempted to project unity for the cameras, their speeches told a different story, laden with veiled references to “keeping one’s word”, the “impermanence of power”, and “preparing for change”.
Lives Are Not Permanent: DK Shivakumar
Taking the podium first, Shivakumar delivered a speech that immediately set political circles abuzz. Ostensibly addressing party workers, Shivakumar hinted at an upcoming shift in the state’s political landscape.
“We should prepare for a change in the state in coming days to give new strength and shape,” Shivakumar said. He struck a philosophical note that many interpreted as a reference to the Chief Minister’s chair, stating, “Our lives are not permanent; what we leave behind is permanent. I keep saying that God doesn’t give a curse or blessings, he just gives opportunities. What we do with those opportunities is important.”
He further emphasised the weight of verbal commitments, a recurring theme in his recent tussles with the CM. “Our word must be measured, and work should be of utmost importance,” Shivakumar added.
Hosted the Hon’ble CM for breakfast at my residence today as we reaffirm our commitment to good governance and the continued development of our state under the Congress vision. pic.twitter.com/qmBxr50S64— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) December 2, 2025
I Don’t Promise Often, But When I Do…: Siddaramaiah
Siddaramaiah, taking the stage shortly after, offered what appeared to be a sharp, albeit indirect, rebuttal. Focusing on his government’s track record, he pivoted to the topic of integrity in promise-keeping.
“I usually don’t promise,” Siddaramaiah declared. “But when I do, I will always act according to it. If there is ever a government that has acted according to promises given, it is our government.”
The ‘Word Power’ Spat
The tension in Hassan is a direct continuation of a digital spat that erupted between the two leaders on platform X last week. The conflict began when Shivakumar posted a cryptic message stating, “Word power is world power. Keeping one’s word is the greatest strength in the world!”
This was widely interpreted as a reminder to the High Command regarding an alleged 30-month power-sharing pact.
Siddaramaiah responded hours later with a post of his own, seemingly dismissing the Deputy CM’s claim by redefining what “power” means. “A word is not power unless it betters the world for the people,” the CM wrote, pointedly adding that his government transforms promises into action on the ground, not just in slogans.
Despite the Congress High Command intervening earlier this week, forcing the two leaders to meet for breakfast and issue statements of unity, the Hassan event suggests the core issues remain unresolved.
With Shivakumar asking cadres to “prepare for change” and Siddaramaiah doubling down on his adherence to promises, the “cryptic messaging” has left the state administration and party workers wondering if a leadership transition is imminent or if the stalemate will drag on.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 07, 2025, 15:32 IST
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