CM Siddaramaiah Says Bond with Deputy Shivakumar Is ‘Milk-Honey Relationship’

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday described his equation with Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has a “milk-and-honey relationship,” firmly rejecting allegations of discord and surveillance raised by Opposition leaders.

In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said attempts were being made to create “sourness” between the two leaders but asserted that such efforts would fail. “Our relationship is like milk and honey. Some unemployed Opposition leaders are trying to churn bitterness into it. This may empty the sourness within them, but it will have no impact on our bond,” he remarked, taking a swipe at critics including R. Ashoka and H. D. Kumaraswamy .

The Chief Minister’s statement comes amid renewed speculation about a power tussle within the Karnataka Congress , especially after the government completed 2.5 years in office in November 2025 . The Opposition has alleged internal friction and even accused Siddaramaiah of ordering phone tapping to spy on Shivakumar, charges he dismissed as “frustrated statements from restless souls.”

Explaining his choice of words, Siddaramaiah’s “milk-and-honey” metaphor draws from an idiom symbolising harmony, sweetness, and abundance . By comparing their partnership to milk and honey substances that blend seamlessly he sought to convey that their relationship is strong, cooperative, and inseparable , despite persistent rumours.

He further clarified that the Intelligence Department traditionally functions under the Chief Minister’s purview , including during previous BJP and JD(S) administrations, rejecting claims of misuse. Alleging that rival parties were attempting to lure Shivakumar and destabilise the Congress government, Siddaramaiah described his deputy as a “staunch Congressman” committed to party ideology.

reaffirming stability, the Chief Minister stressed that the Congress government would complete its full five-year tenure and that the party operates with internal democracy , with MLAs abiding by the high command’s decisions.

Siddaramaiah also criticised Narendra Modi and central agencies, accusing them of targeting Opposition leaders. Concluding his remarks, he urged rivals to play a constructive role , stating that the people of Karnataka had given Congress a clear mandate to govern.