Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is poised to create history on Saturday, January 6, by becoming the state's longest-serving chief minister, surpassing the record held by the late D. Devaraj Urs. However, the veteran Congress leader emphasized that the two leaders should not be directly compared due to their vastly different social backgrounds.
A Milestone Forged by Public Blessings
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru on Monday, Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude for the public's support. "With the blessings of the people, tomorrow late D Devaraj Urs' record of being the longest serving Chief Minister of Karnataka will be broken," he stated. He noted a personal point of pride, highlighting that both he and Urs hail from the Mysuru region.
Reflecting on his unexpected political ascent, Siddaramaiah shared a humble beginning. "I had only thought that I will be an MLA after becoming the Taluk Board member," he recalled. His electoral journey has seen significant battles: he has contested 13 elections in total, winning eight, while losing two Parliamentary and two Assembly polls.
Different Eras, Different Backgrounds
Siddaramaiah was clear in distancing any direct parallel with his predecessor. He pointed out a fundamental social difference, explaining that Devaraj Urs was not from a socially backward community. "Devaraj Urs was not socially backward. In fact, he was from a forward class, the ruling class. He was from a community which is less in population, but he was a popular leader," the Chief Minister said, as quoted by PTI.
He also contrasted the political landscapes of their respective eras, noting how voter engagement has transformed. "People gave him money and votes in 1962. Time has now changed," Siddaramaiah remarked, underscoring the evolution in electoral politics over the decades.
Records, Celebrations, and Future Plans
When questioned about the permanence of his new record, the Chief Minister displayed a philosophical outlook. "Records are meant for breaking. I never said that no one will break my record," he asserted. He acknowledged that someone might eventually surpass his tenure record or his feat of presenting 16 state budgets, the highest by any Karnataka finance minister.
Regarding celebrations for the milestone, Siddaramaiah mentioned that State Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda is organizing an event, though he was not privy to the specific details. "I will speak to him," he added.
On the pending cabinet reshuffle, the CM confirmed it is on the agenda. "It has to be done. I will speak to Rahul Gandhi whenever he calls me. I have told him that I will speak to him in January," Siddaramaiah revealed, indicating that discussions with the senior Congress leader are imminent.
