Siddaramaiah becomes longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday equalled the record of former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs as the longest-serving CM of the state, completing 2,792 days in office , and will surpass it on Wednesday. This marks a historic milestone in Siddaramaiah’s political career, spanning two terms.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar congratulated Siddaramaiah , calling it a proud moment. “He has been in the history books in the past, and he will be there in the future too,” Shivakumar said, while urging peace in Ballari after recent clashes between Congress and BJP workers.

Siddaramaiah, who has served 1,829 days in his first term (2013-18) and 963 days in his ongoing second term (since May 2023) , expressed confidence about completing the full five-year term, noting that the final decision rests with the Congress high command. “I have confidence. If I had no confidence, how would I have been the Chief Minister? It all depends on the high command's decision,” he said. He also mentioned that discussions regarding a cabinet reshuffle will happen when called by party leaders.

Reflecting on his journey, Siddaramaiah said he never aimed to break records and that serving the people brings him satisfaction. “Politics means doing justice for the poor, Dalits, backward communities, and continuing the fight for social justice,” he added.

Fans celebrated his milestone with feasts featuring his favourite “nati koli” (country chicken) dishes. Siddaramaiah, a Mysuru native like Urs, acknowledged the celebrations but noted that his humble village upbringing influenced his simple tastes.

Devaraj Urs, known for his social justice and land reforms , served two terms as CM between 1972-80. Siddaramaiah now joins him as the only chief ministers from Mysuru to complete a full five-year term.