Siddaramaiah set to become Karnataka’s longest-serving chief minister, poised to break Devaraj Urs record
Bengaluru:Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is on the verge of creating history by becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, with just one more day to surpass the long-standing record of late D. Devaraj Urs.
As of today, Siddaramaiah has completed 7 years and 239 days in office across his two tenures, matching Devaraj Urs’ total time as chief minister. On Tuesday, he will officially move past the milestone, securing the top position in the state’s political history.
Devaraj Urs had served as chief minister for 7 years and 239 days, a record that has remained unbroken for decades. With Siddaramaiah completing the same duration today, he is set to eclipse Urs’ record by tomorrow.
Former chief minister S. Nijalingappa stands third on the list, having served for 7 years and 175 days. He is followed by Ramakrishna Hegde with a total of 5 years and 216 days, while B.S. Yediyurappa, who served multiple terms, occupies the fifth position with 5 years and 82 days in office.
While Devaraj Urs enjoyed a long uninterrupted tenure of nearly seven-and-a-half years, Siddaramaiah’s journey has been marked by political twists and electoral setbacks. After completing his first full term as chief minister, Congress failed to return to power in the state in the subsequent election.
In 2018, the Assembly elections resulted in a fractured mandate, leading to a Congress–JD(S) coalition government headed by H.D. Kumaraswamy. However, the coalition collapsed within 14 months, paving the way for a BJP government led first by B.S. Yediyurappa and later by Basavaraj Bommai.
The political tide turned again in 2023, when the Congress secured a clear majority in the Assembly elections, enabling Siddaramaiah to return to office for a second term. His comeback further cemented his position as one of the most influential mass leaders in Karnataka politics.
Siddaramaiah has also scripted a record in terms of budget presentations. Having presented 16 state budgets so far, he holds the distinction of tabling the highest number of budgets by any chief minister in Karnataka. Former CM Ramakrishna Hegde is second on the list with 13 budgets to his credit.
Born out of the socialist movement and having earlier been associated with the Lok Dal and Janata Dal, Siddaramaiah joined the Congress in 2006. Over the years, he has served in multiple roles, including Leader of the Opposition, before becoming chief minister twice.
As he stands on the cusp of a historic milestone, celebrations have already begun. Supporters and party workers have put up banners and posters congratulating him for becoming the longest-serving chief minister. Large hoardings have appeared near the Chief Minister’s official residence, Cauvery Bhavan, reflecting the festive mood among his followers.
