BENGALURU: Developments in the ruling Congress after two breakfast meetings between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar indicate that the party high command is working out a formula for smooth transition of power in Karnataka.

On the central leaders’ advice, Shivakumar attempted to break the ice with Siddaramaiah and his camp, but the CM did not respond in kind. If Siddaramaiah is to transfer power to Shivakumar, the process is likely to be prolonged, as the CM’s sympathisers continue to resist any such move. Sources said if the choice was left to Siddaramaiah, or AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge is to be the next CM, transition of power would be easy.

Sources said that APMC Minister Shivanand Patil met Kharge in Delhi on Friday, and insisted that he shou

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