As Parliament’s Winter Session opens today, several contentious issues — from the voter list revision to the FIR against Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi — are set to dominate the political landscape. The Opposition has lined up demands for multiple debates, signalling a stormy session ahead.

Major flashpoints set the tone

The FIR filed against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case is expected to be a key point of confrontation between the Opposition and the BJP. The matter is likely to spark heated exchanges on the floor of both Houses.

Opposition pushes for debate on SIR

Opposition parties have demanded a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Trinamool Congress has argued that inadequate planning has burdened election staff, linking the recent death of a Bengal polling official to work-related strain.

National security and pollution on agenda

Leaders from 36 parties, during the all-party meet, sought a debate on the Delhi blast and wider national security issues. With the national capital battling severe air pollution, demands have also been raised for a discussion on environmental concerns.

Government calls for cooperation

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that while some Opposition leaders may raise a ruckus over SIR, no party indicated plans to disrupt proceedings. He stressed that Parliament has established procedures to address every issue.

Session schedule

The Winter Session is set to run till December 19, featuring 15 sittings over 19 days. The government plans to introduce 13 legislative bills and one financial bill during this period.

A possible settlement between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emerged, signalling a calmer phase in the leadership tussle within the state Congress. While the final decision rests with the party leadership in Delhi, details of the so-called “compromise formula” are gradually becoming clearer.

Breakfast diplomacy calms tensions

After weeks of speculation over friction between the two top leaders, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met over breakfast today. The meeting, aimed at projecting unity, served as a symbolic reset after their strained ties over the chief ministership question.

Analysts believe the optics were crucial — the Congress successfully avoided a public showdown by diffusing tensions before they escalated further.

A transition of power likely, say analysts

According to political observers, the compromise indicates a strong possibility of Shivakumar taking over as Chief Minister in a smooth transition, potentially as early as March–April 2026.
For now, sources say the arrangement requires Shivakumar to continue as Deputy Chief Minister without pushing for immediate change.

In return, the formula reportedly includes more cabinet positions for leaders loyal to Shivakumar and continuation of his role as the state Congress chief. Siddaramaiah is also expected to back Shivakumar as the party’s face for the 2028 Assembly election.

Why the Congress prefers this route

Replacing Siddaramaiah abruptly would not only upset internal balance but could also weaken the party, given his stature and mass appeal. Shivakumar, despite his influence, does not have the numbers within the legislature to force a takeover, making compromise the most viable path.

Siddaramaiah has already stated that this will be his final term as Chief Minister. With his legacy secure and his position as one of Karnataka’s tallest leaders intact, he appears willing to enable a dignified transition when the time comes.

Variables that could shape the final outcome

The success of the formula depends on three key factors:

1. Trust between the two leaders

Whether Shivakumar believes Siddaramaiah will keep his word remains uncertain. Karnataka’s political history is full of last-minute shifts, giving rise to the phrase “natak in Karnataka”.

2. Decision-making by the Congress high command

Delhi’s leadership must ensure the transition happens on time and without internal resistance, especially in the run-up to the 2028 Assembly polls.

3. Caste equations and political alignment

Siddaramaiah is the strongest face of the AHINDA bloc, while Shivakumar represents the OBC Vokkaliga community. The Congress cannot afford to alienate either group, making the timing and execution of any transition extremely delicate.

Amid escalating tensions between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, the Congress high command has intervened, urging both leaders to resolve their differences. Following this push, Siddaramaiah has invited Shivakumar for a breakfast meeting tomorrow to discuss the ongoing rift.

High command steps in as leaders trade cryptic remarks

The disagreement between the two senior leaders became publicly visible after an exchange of indirect remarks on social media. DK Shivakumar posted a message stressing the importance of “keeping one’s word”, which was widely interpreted as a reminder of the rumoured 2023 “rotational chief minister formula”. According to that supposed understanding — never officially confirmed — Shivakumar was expected to take over as Chief Minister after 2.5 years.

Responding soon after, Siddaramaiah wrote that a “word is not power unless it betters the world for the people”, calling the mandate a full five-year responsibility. Sources said such public exchanges did not sit well with the party’s senior leadership.

Breakfast meet likely to ease tensions

Confirming that the high command had intervened, Siddaramaiah said he had called Shivakumar for a breakfast discussion. “When he comes for breakfast, we will discuss this. Both of us have said we will follow whatever the high command decides,” he stated. He also expressed willingness to travel to Delhi if called for talks.

Shivakumar, meanwhile, downplayed any urgency from his end. “I am not in a hurry. The party will take all decisions,” he told reporters, insisting that he wanted nothing for himself.

Rumoured formula resurfaces as government reaches halfway mark

Speculation around the power-sharing formula has intensified since the Congress government crossed its halfway point on November 20. The topic gained further attention after Shivakumar hinted at a “secret deal” involving senior leaders, although he refrained from revealing details.

Recent moves by some Congress legislators backing Shivakumar — including a visit to Delhi — also fuelled speculation, though Shivakumar claimed he was unaware of their purpose.