Bengaluru, May 28: Karnataka politics witnessed a dramatic moment on Thursday when Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar touched Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s feet and sought his blessings during a breakfast meeting at the latter’s official residence, ‘Kaveri’.

The gesture came amid intense speculation over a possible leadership change in the state, with rumours swirling about Siddaramaiah’s resignation. Shivakumar, widely seen as a strong contender for the top post, arrived at the residence accompanied by several cabinet ministers and senior Congress leaders close to Siddaramaiah.

The meeting quickly attracted political attention, as photographs of Shivakumar greeting Siddaramaiah with folded hands, touching his feet, and later hugging him were released by both leaders’ offices. The visuals went viral on social media, sparking discussions about unity and coordination within the Karnataka Congress leadership.

Party insiders suggested that the release of these images was a calculated move to project solidarity at a time when speculation about a power transition is dominating the political narrative. Several MLAs considered close to Siddaramaiah also attended the breakfast meeting, further adding to the intrigue.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara, reacting to the developments, said he was unaware of the photographs and would seek more details. On questions about Siddaramaiah’s possible resignation, he remarked that the decision rests entirely with the party high command.

Meanwhile, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s departure from Bengaluru has added fuel to the speculation. Congress sources, however, clarified that Siddaramaiah is expected to submit his resignation papers to the Governor’s office at 3 p.m. as planned, regardless of the Governor’s absence from the city.

AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala dismissed reports of any “power-sharing” arrangement, asserting that no official decision regarding a change of Chief Minister has been discussed.

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The breakfast meeting and Shivakumar’s symbolic gesture have now become the focal point of Karnataka’s political drama, with the state awaiting clarity on the future leadership arrangement.