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Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday (January 7) became the longest-serving chief minister of Karnataka, surpassing the record held by late Devaraj Urs, and etching his name in the state's political history.
In his second term, the 77-year-old leader on January 6 equalled Urs' record of 2,792 days in office, becoming the longest-serving CM of the state. Urs, widely regarded as an icon of social justice and land reforms in Karnataka, served two terms — 2,113 days from March 20, 1972, to December 31, 1977, and 679 days from February 28, 1978, to January 7, 1980.
Siddaramaiah, the only chief minister after Urs to complete a full five-year term, held office for 1,829 days during his first term from May 13, 2013, to May 15, 2018. In his ongoing second term since May 20, 2023, he has so far completed 963 days.
The milestone comes at a politically sensitive juncture for the ruling Congress, which crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. Speculation has intensified over a possible power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Downplaying the achievement, Siddaramaiah has said he did not enter politics to break records and expressed confidence in completing his full five-year term, while noting that the final decision rests with the Congress high command.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar acknowledged the milestone and wished Siddaramaiah "good luck". Several ministers and Congress leaders close to the chief minister have also voiced confidence that he will complete the full term.
Supporters of Siddaramaiah marked the occasion with celebrations across the state, including community feasts featuring his favourite 'nati koli' (country chicken).
In his second term, the 77-year-old leader on January 6 equalled Urs' record of 2,792 days in office, becoming the longest-serving CM of the state. Urs, widely regarded as an icon of social justice and land reforms in Karnataka, served two terms — 2,113 days from March 20, 1972, to December 31, 1977, and 679 days from February 28, 1978, to January 7, 1980.
Siddaramaiah, the only chief minister after Urs to complete a full five-year term, held office for 1,829 days during his first term from May 13, 2013, to May 15, 2018. In his ongoing second term since May 20, 2023, he has so far completed 963 days.
The milestone comes at a politically sensitive juncture for the ruling Congress, which crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. Speculation has intensified over a possible power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Downplaying the achievement, Siddaramaiah has said he did not enter politics to break records and expressed confidence in completing his full five-year term, while noting that the final decision rests with the Congress high command.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar acknowledged the milestone and wished Siddaramaiah "good luck". Several ministers and Congress leaders close to the chief minister have also voiced confidence that he will complete the full term.
Supporters of Siddaramaiah marked the occasion with celebrations across the state, including community feasts featuring his favourite 'nati koli' (country chicken).
