Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday created history by becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, surpassing the record held by late Devaraj Urs, a towering leader remembered for his contributions to social justice and land reforms.
In his second term, the 77-year-old leader equalled Urs’ record of 2,792 days in office on January 6 and went on to surpass it, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political history. Devaraj Urs had served as Chief Minister for 2,113 days during his first term between March 20, 1972, and December 31, 1977, and for 679 days in his second term from February 28, 1978, to January 7, 1980.
Siddaramaiah is also the only Chief Minister after Urs to have completed a full five-year term. During his first tenure from May 13, 2013, to May 15, 2018, he served for 1,829 days. Since assuming office again on May 20, 2023, he has completed 963 days, taking his cumulative tenure to a record-breaking figure.
The achievement comes at a politically sensitive time for the ruling Indian National Congress, which crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, amid speculation over power-sharing between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar.
Reacting to the milestone, Siddaramaiah said he had never entered politics to break records and described the moment as a coincidence made possible by public support.
Speaking to reporters in Haveri, he said growth in politics is possible only with the blessings of the people and credited them for his journey so far.
In a candid remark, Siddaramaiah added that he does not know how long he will continue in the Chief Minister’s chair, stressing that the decision rests entirely with the Congress high command. However, he asserted that he would remain active in politics as long as he enjoys the support of the people. When asked about his performance, the Chief Minister said he is satisfied with the functioning and administration of his government.
