Siddaramaiah Poised to Break Karnataka Record as Longest Serving CM

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Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to make history by becoming the state's longest-serving chief minister on January 7. This milestone comes amidst internal divisions within the state Congress and speculation over leadership and a potential Cabinet reshuffle. Siddaramaiah's remarkable tenure spans over 1,829 days in his first term from 2013 to 2018 and the remainder in his current term, which began in May 2023. He is on track to surpass Devaraj Urs' record of 2,792 days on January 6 and will have held the position for a total of 2,793 days by January 7. The achievement is being celebrated by supporters who see it as a signal of political stability. The Karnataka Congress leader's journey began in the Lok Dal, Janata Dal, and later in the Congress, where he rose from opposition leader to chief minister, returning to power after a five-year gap. Siddaramaiah's core support base consists of the Ahinda coalition of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits, and supporters are planning events to mark the occasion, including a country chicken feast in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah is scheduled to attend a state-level convention of the Kumbara community on January 5, followed by a larger Ahinda convention in Mysuru later this month. Social welfare minister HC Mahadevappa stated that these events are being organized by various communities, not at the behest of the party. The focus is now shifting to New Delhi, where Siddaramaiah is expected to meet party leaders after January 15. Sources indicate that he is pressing for a Cabinet reshuffle, while Shivakumar wants the leadership issue resolved first. Recent protests in Karnataka have shown workers demanding clarity on the leadership, with many openly backing Shivakumar for his organisational skills and grassroots connections. Siddaramaiah has indicated continuity in governance, stating that the budget for 2026-27 will be presented in March. The remarks have taken on added significance as speculation over leadership intensified after the Congress government completed half of its five-year term in November. Home minister G Parameshwara emphasized that any leadership decision should be taken before the budget process begins.