Bengaluru, January 5, 2026 – In a remarkable turn of political longevity amid swirling rumors of internal party friction, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is poised to etch his name into the state's history books. On January 7, he will surpass the tenure of legendary Congress stalwart D. Devaraj Urs, becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister in Karnataka's 68-year post-independence era.
Siddaramaiah, a 77-year-old veteran socialist leader from the Kuruba community, assumed office for his second stint as Chief Minister on May 20, 2023, following the Congress party's decisive victory in the state assembly elections. His current term, now stretching into its third year, will cumulatively exceed Urs's record of 3,357 days in office—a benchmark set across two non-consecutive terms from 1972 to 1977 and 1978 to 1980. Urs, often hailed as the architect of Karnataka's land reforms and social justice policies, remains a towering figure in the state's political landscape, and Siddaramaiah's impending milestone underscores the enduring influence of such transformative leaders.
Reflecting on the achievement during a public address in Mysuru on Monday, Siddaramaiah downplayed personal ambition with characteristic humility. "I only thought I would become an MLA. Never imagined I would reach this stage," he said, crediting the milestone to the "blessings of the people." Drawing a cricket analogy to emphasize continuity over individual glory, the Chief Minister likened his record to the evolution from Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli: "Records are meant to be broken. Just as Tendulkar's records were surpassed by Kohli, this too will happen one day." The metaphor resonated with supporters, who see Siddaramaiah's tenure as a bridge between Karnataka's socialist past and its progressive future.
The timing of this historic moment is anything but serene for the Congress high command. Siddaramaiah's ascent to the record comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership tussle within the party, particularly with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who has been vocal about his aspirations for the top post. Speculation has intensified over potential Cabinet reshuffles and even a mid-term leadership change, fueled by recent electoral setbacks for the Congress in national polls and ongoing challenges like drought relief and infrastructure delays. Yet, Siddaramaiah appears unfazed, focusing instead on flagship schemes such as the Gruha Jyothi free electricity program and Anna Bhagya rice distribution, which have bolstered his populist image.
Born into a modest farming family in Varadohalli village of Mysuru district, Siddaramaiah's journey from a student leader to a five-time MLA and two-time Chief Minister embodies the grit of backward-class empowerment. His first term from 2013 to 2018 was marked by welfare initiatives but ended in defeat to the BJP-JD(S) alliance. The 2023 comeback, however, has been a redemption arc, with the Congress securing 135 seats in the 224-member assembly.
Preparations for a low-key celebration are underway at the Chief Minister's residence in Bengaluru, though party insiders suggest the focus will remain on governance rather than fanfare. Opposition voices, including BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, have seized the opportunity to critique the administration's record on law and order, dubbing the milestone a "hollow achievement" amid rising crime rates.
As Siddaramaiah edges closer to January 7, his legacy—rooted in fiscal prudence, social equity, and unyielding resilience—stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of seasoned leadership in India's fractious political arena. Whether this record proves a capstone or a catalyst for further ambitions remains to be seen, but for now, Karnataka watches with bated breath.
Reporting by TCO News Desk; Additional inputs from PTI and Economic Times
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