Siddaramaiah Matches Urs’s Record as Karnataka’s Longest-Serving CM

Siddaramaiah has officially equalled the record held by D Devaraj Urs as Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister, completing a tenure of seven years and 239 days across two terms. This milestone was reached on January 6, 2024, marking a significant moment in Karnataka’s political landscape.

Siddaramaiah first assumed office in May 2013 and completed a full five-year term, making him the first Chief Minister since Urs to fulfill an entire term. After a successful campaign in the 2023 Assembly elections, he returned to leadership in May 2023. His cumulative tenure now matches that of Urs, who served as Chief Minister from 1972 to 1977 and again from 1978 to 1980. Urs is remembered for his contributions to land reforms and enhancing political representation for backward classes.

In a statement to reporters, Siddaramaiah reflected on his achievement and the nature of political records. He stated, “Records are meant to be broken,” drawing a parallel to sports, specifically mentioning cricketer Virat Kohli surpassing Sachin Tendulkar. He acknowledged the possibility of someone exceeding his tenure, noting that he never anticipated such a lengthy political career. “I had never thought of becoming a minister, let alone the Chief Minister. I had only thought that I would become an MLA after becoming a Taluk Board member,” he shared.

Siddaramaiah’s political journey has been marked by perseverance, having contested a total of 13 elections throughout his career, including local body polls. He has emerged victorious in nine elections, while suffering defeats in two parliamentary and two assembly elections.

As Siddaramaiah celebrates this milestone, Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar congratulated him. Shivakumar described the occasion as significant for both the party and the state, emphasizing a focus on governance and program implementation rather than individual records. He dismissed speculation regarding potential leadership changes, asserting that the party leadership has clarity on its internal arrangements and remains committed to fulfilling government priorities.

Despite public denials from both leaders, there have been persistent but unconfirmed reports of a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar since the beginning of the current government’s term in May 2023. These reports gained traction as the government approached the halfway mark of its tenure in November 2025. Some insiders suggest that Siddaramaiah might aim to extend his leadership at least until surpassing Urs’s record on January 7, 2024.

Those close to the Chief Minister are adamant that no leadership change is imminent. They indicate that Siddaramaiah is preparing to present the state budget in March 2024, which will mark his 17th budget presentation, the highest number by any leader in Karnataka’s history.

As Siddaramaiah matches Urs’s record, comparisons between the two leaders have intensified. Although their tenures occurred in vastly different political and economic climates, both leaders are associated with welfare-oriented policies and a commitment to social justice. The historical connection between Siddaramaiah and Urs is further underscored by their shared roots in the Mysuru region, a point Siddaramaiah proudly noted in his remarks.