Siddaramaiah creates history as Karnataka’s longest-serving chief minister

Mysuru, Jan 6: Chief minister Siddaramaiah has created a new chapter in Karnataka’s political history by becoming the longest-serving chief minister (CM) of the state, surpassing the long-standing record of D Devaraj Urs. January 6 marks a landmark day in Siddaramaiah’s political career as he completed 7 years and 239 days in office, making him the chief minister with the highest number of days at the helm of the state.

Devaraj Urs had held the record by serving as chief minister for a total of 2,789 days, equivalent to 7 years and 239 days, across two terms. Siddaramaiah has now equalled and surpassed this milestone, earning him the tag of ‘Record Ramayya’ in political circles. With this achievement, he has emerged as the chief minister who has governed Karnataka for the longest cumulative period.

Siddaramaiah first assumed office as chief minister in 2013 and served a full five-year term till 2018, completing 1,829 days in his first stint. Following the 2018 assembly elections, no party secured a clear majority, leading to a Congress–JD(S) coalition government under H D Kumaraswamy, which collapsed after 14 months. Subsequently, the BJP came to power with B S Yediyurappa and later Basavaraj Bommai serving as chief ministers. In the 2023 assembly elections, the Congress returned to power with a clear majority, and Siddaramaiah was sworn in as chief minister for the second time on May 20, 2023. His continued tenure has now propelled him into the history books.

Siddaramaiah’s political journey began with the Lok Dal, after which he rose to prominence in the Janata Dal. In 2006, he joined the Congress party and steadily grew into one of its strongest leaders through organisational work and mass appeal. His rise culminated in becoming a two-time chief minister and earning recognition as the longest-serving CM in Karnataka’s history.

In the list of Karnataka’s longest-serving chief ministers, Devaraj Urs earlier topped the chart, followed by S Nijalingappa with 7 years and 175 days, Ramakrishna Hegde with 5 years and 216 days, and B S Yediyurappa with 5 years and 82 days. Siddaramaiah has now moved past Devaraj Urs to claim the top position.

Apart from tenure, Siddaramaiah has also set a record in budget presentations. He has presented 16 state budgets so far, the highest by any chief minister in Karnataka. Ramakrishna Hegde stands second on this list, having presented 13 budgets during his tenure.