CM Siddaramaiah, DyCM Shivakumar make show of unity in Mysuru to counter BJP claims

MYSURU:
In a clear attempt to quash rumours of dissent within the Karnataka government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday (June 30, 2025) publicly demonstrated their unity by clasping hands and raising them together before the media at Mysuru airport.

The highly visible gesture was meant to counter the Opposition BJP’s allegations that the two senior Congress leaders were at odds over the leadership of the State, and to dismiss speculation about any imminent change at the helm.

“Aren’t we together?” Siddaramaiah asked Shivakumar in front of cameras. Shivakumar nodded firmly, and both leaders smiled as they joined hands and raised them overhead, signalling solidarity and cohesion.

The demonstration came as the two prepared to head to the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir nearby, where they performed the traditional bagina offering along with several cabinet colleagues.

Ministers present for the show of strength

Joining them at Mysuru airport were Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh, and Minister for Minor Irrigation N.S. Boseraju. Their presence reinforced the message of a united cabinet backing the leadership of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

The show of solidarity was carefully staged to project a stable, confident government, in contrast to the BJP’s narrative of rifts and factionalism within the Congress ranks.

Countering BJP’s claims of leadership change

Over recent weeks, the Opposition BJP had repeatedly alleged serious differences between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, suggesting the Congress government was heading for a change in leadership well before the end of its term.

Siddaramaiah sought to dismiss such claims outright on Monday.

“We are on good terms. Any effort by the Opposition to drive a wedge between us will not bear fruit,” he declared, brushing aside reports of internal tussles.

He added a personal touch by invoking Shivakumar’s well-known nickname “bande” (meaning rock or boulder in Kannada), declaring:

“This government will remain as strong as a ‘bande’ for its full five-year term.”

Attack on BJP leaders

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also lashed out at BJP leader Sriramulu, who had predicted the fall of the Congress government and the conduct of mid-term elections.

In a sharp retort, Siddaramaiah questioned Sriramulu’s own political judgment, noting that the BJP leader had lost in both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

“BJP leaders are liars,” he said bluntly, dismissing their predictions as politically motivated and groundless.

This combative approach was part of the Congress’s strategy to go on the offensive and deny the BJP any chance to gain traction with its allegations of disunity in Karnataka.

Congress's strategy to maintain stability

The ruling Congress government in Karnataka has been keen to showcase strong internal coordination, especially given the importance of the state in the party’s broader national strategy ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections.

After its decisive win in the 2023 assembly elections, the Congress had faced periodic reports of factional tensions between supporters of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. But party leaders have repeatedly maintained that the arrangement—where Siddaramaiah serves as CM and Shivakumar as his deputy—was working well.

Both leaders have publicly affirmed their commitment to ensuring the government completes its full term and delivers on its promises to voters.

Symbolism of the bagina at KRS reservoir

After the show of unity at Mysuru airport, Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and other ministers travelled to the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir to offer bagina—a traditional ritual of gratitude performed when a reservoir fills up during the monsoon.

The ritual served as a highly symbolic occasion for the government, projecting both cultural rootedness and collective responsibility for Karnataka’s development, especially in water management and agriculture.

It also served as a backdrop for ministers to interact with local officials and farmers, reinforcing the government's message that it is focused on governance rather than infighting.

Political significance of Mysuru for Congress

Mysuru, Siddaramaiah’s home turf and political bastion, has always held particular significance for the Chief Minister. By choosing to stage this highly public show of unity in Mysuru, Congress leaders aimed to send a clear message to their supporters and the broader electorate that the party remains united and strong in one of its key regions.

Congress insiders noted that the party cannot afford any perception of instability, especially with the BJP trying to regain ground in the state after its 2023 defeat.

Conclusion

The Mysuru airport spectacle was a clear, well-orchestrated response to the BJP’s attempts to stir speculation about a leadership tussle in Karnataka. By joining hands in front of the cameras, CM Siddaramaiah and DyCM Shivakumar sought to close ranks publicly, project confidence, and assure voters that the Congress government remains stable, committed, and prepared to deliver on its promises for the next five years.

As the political tussle continues in Karnataka, both leaders will likely have to keep demonstrating this unity to prevent any BJP narrative of internal discord from taking hold.

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