Ramanagara: Breakfast Diplomacy Cools Tempers in Congress Camp

Ramanagara: The two-phase breakfast meeting between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister appears to have eased tensions within the Congress. Leaders from both camps, who were earlier exchanging indirect jabs, have now fallen silent, suggesting that the high command’s strategy to prevent internal embarrassment has worked to some extent.

Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain, known for his open support to DK Shivakumar, reacted subtly to the breakfast gathering. In a witty remark, he said that whether one preferred veg or non-veg, the atmosphere at the meeting clearly showed that everyone was “at peace”.

Hussain, who had earlier publicly stated that DK Shivakumar would “definitely become Chief Minister”, expressed satisfaction over the recent developments. “The high command has told us they will make the final decision. Idli was eaten, chicken was eaten… now there is no doubt. Whether it’s idli or chicken, both have proven everyone is equal,” he quipped, hinting at unity displayed over breakfast.

He further added that power is never permanent for anyone, supporting the CM’s earlier statement. “There is nothing unusual in what the Chief Minister said. His words are meaningful. The power of former CM Kumaraswamy wasn’t permanent either. In fact, nothing in this world is permanent — everything has an end,” he observed.

Referring to earlier criticism aimed at DK Shivakumar for expressing his desire to become Chief Minister, Iqbal Hussain said, “Our wish is that DK becomes CM. But he himself explained the reality to us and clarified why there was no need for conflict.”

The breakfast meeting held at DK Shivakumar’s Sadashivanagar residence was attended by CM Siddaramaiah, DCM Shivakumar, MP DK Suresh, and Kunigal MLA Ranganath. After the meeting, Siddaramaiah even shared a light comment about enjoying the ‘Natikoli Saaru’, adding a dash of culinary humour to the political discussions.