In a significant political milestone, Congress stalwart Siddaramaiah has officially become the longest-serving Chief Minister in the history of Karnataka. He surpassed the previous record held by the late Devaraj Urs, a figure synonymous with social justice and land reforms in the state.
A Historic Milestone Amidst Political Speculation
On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Siddaramaiah equaled and was set to surpass the record of 2,792 days in the chief minister's office set by Devaraj Urs. This achievement comes at a politically charged moment, as the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. This period has been rife with speculation about a potential leadership change, fueled by the reported "power-sharing" agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made in 2023.
Addressing the media in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah downplayed the pursuit of the record. "I have not done politics to break any record; It's only a coincidence," he stated. He revealed he was unaware of the exact duration of Urs's tenure until recently. "Today because of the blessings of the people, I have got an opportunity to equal Devaraj Urs's record. Tomorrow it will be broken," he added with characteristic pragmatism.
Confidence in Completing the Term and Cabinet Reshuffle
When questioned about the possibility of creating another record by serving a full five-year term, the Chief Minister linked the decision to the party's central leadership. "It has to be decided by the Congress high command. I don't know when the high command will decide," he remarked. However, he expressed personal confidence in seeing the term through. "I have confidence. If I had no confidence, how would I have been the Chief Minister?... It all depends upon the high command's decision," Siddaramaiah asserted.
He also confirmed that the much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle would be discussed when the high command summons him for talks. This statement comes amid intensified internal tussles and demands for a reallocation of ministerial portfolios within the ruling party.
Comparing Tenures and a Journey of Social Justice
The numerical breakdown of the tenures highlights the scale of this achievement. Devaraj Urs served two terms totaling 2,792 days: his first stint lasted 2,113 days from March 20, 1972, to December 31, 1977, and the second lasted 679 days from February 28, 1978, to January 7, 1980.
Siddaramaiah, now the only CM after Urs to complete a full five-year term, served for 1,829 days in his first term from May 13, 2013, to May 15, 2018. In his current second term, which began on May 20, 2023, he had completed 964 days as of January 7, 2026, bringing his cumulative total past the historic mark.
Reflecting on his journey, the Chief Minister expressed deep satisfaction. "I became MLA, I got opportunities, I became minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and became the Chief Minister too. I got opportunities, and I have performed the duties," he recounted. He drew a parallel with Urs, noting both hail from Mysuru but served in different eras.
For Siddaramaiah, politics remains intrinsically linked to social justice. "Politics means doing justice for the poor, Dalits, backward, and doing their work," he emphasized. He vowed to continue his fight until inequality is eradicated and social justice is achieved for all.
The milestone was celebrated by his supporters with feasts featuring his favourite dish, 'nati koli' (country chicken). Reacting to being called a brand ambassador for the dish, Siddaramaiah humorously attributed its publicity to his position, recalling his humble village roots where such meals were common for guests.
This record solidifies Siddaramaiah's position in Karnataka's political history, even as the Congress party navigates the challenges of coalition dynamics and internal expectations for the remainder of its term in the state.
