Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 3: In the midst of ongoing political speculation over breakfast meetings in Karnataka, another exclusive and confidential lunch meeting has caught the attention of the state’s political circles.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, visiting Mangaluru, hosted the lunch along with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Tuesday afternoon at the Kaveri Guest House, raising curiosity over the discussion and the guest list.
The lunch was held from 1:30 to 2:00 pm, following a brief high-voltage discussion of around 15 minutes earlier in the morning that had already generated political chatter.
One room in the guest house was arranged with 12 specially reserved seats, accommodating the chief minister, Venugopal, and select senior ministers. The arrangements were meticulously planned to maintain confidentiality, with staff ensuring minimal public visibility.
The menu for the meeting was carefully curated to highlight Coastal Karnataka flavours, with "coastal nati koli" (local chicken) as the star dish. Seafood and regional delicacies were also featured, including freshwater dosa, appam, anjal (seer fish) fry, and sigdi (prawns) ghee roast, alongside a variety of side dishes.
Chef Praveen, who oversaw the preparations, told Asianet Suvarna News, “We prepared the Coastal chicken and seafood items especially for the chief minister and other leaders. Every dish was made with utmost care and attention to detail to ensure a memorable experience.” The menu was designed to suit the tastes of Siddaramaiah, Venugopal, and the other invited leaders.
The Mangaluru University Guest House culinary team was responsible for the elaborate arrangements. The team ensured that all dishes, from the signature "nati koli" to the seafood specials, were prepared with precision and authenticity, reflecting the region’s culinary heritage.
While breakfast meetings had already sparked political speculation, this confidential lunch has added fresh intrigue. Observers note that the private gathering of the CM, Venugopal, and select ministers, coupled with the secretive nature of the event, could indicate behind-the-scenes strategy discussions.
A senior political observer commented, “Such intimate and carefully curated meetings, especially with a focus on regional cuisine, are often symbolic. They not only provide privacy for discussion but also subtly reinforce bonds and trust among party leadership.”
The lunch has become a talking point in state political circles, with analysts speculating on its implications for forthcoming political strategies. From the exclusive seating to the specially prepared Coastal dishes, every detail of the meeting appears to have been designed for both diplomacy and discretion.