Bengaluru, Karnataka: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is poised to make history by becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka on January 7, 2026, surpassing the record held by former CM Devaraj Urs. This milestone comes amid internal party debates over leadership roles and an impending Cabinet reshuffle in the state Congress.

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Record-Breaking Tenure

Siddaramaiah’s cumulative tenure now totals 2,793 days—surpassing Urs’ 2,792 days—combining his first term (2013–2018, 1,829 days) and his current term, which began in May 2023.

His political journey spans multiple parties, beginning with Lok Dal and Janata Dal, before joining Congress in 2006. Rising from opposition leader to CM, he reclaimed power after a five-year hiatus, demonstrating enduring political influence in Karnataka.

Historically, Karnataka’s longest-serving CMs include:

• Devaraj Urs: 2,792 days
• S Nijalingappa: 7 years, 175 days
• Ramakrishna Hegde: 5 years, 216 days
• BS Yediyurappa: 5 years, 82 days

Supporters see this milestone as a signal of political stability, especially at a time when the state Congress grapples with internal factionalism and leadership debates.

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Celebrations and Community Mobilisation

Supporters are planning events to mark the occasion, with emphasis on mobilising the Ahinda coalition—minorities, backward classes, and Dalits—which forms the backbone of Siddaramaiah’s electoral support.

• On January 6, a Nati Koli Oota (country chicken feast) is planned in Bengaluru to celebrate the achievement.
• Siddaramaiah will attend a state-level convention of the Kumbara (potter) community on January 5.
• Later in January, a larger Ahinda convention is expected in Mysuru, his native region.

Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa, a loyalist, clarified that these events are community-led, not organised officially by the state government.

“Organisations, activists, and commoners believe Siddaramaiah should continue as CM for the all-round development of the state,” he said, noting that these groups contributed to the Congress’ 2023 victory.

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Leadership Questions and Cabinet Reshuffle

While Siddaramaiah’s tenure record is a personal and political milestone, the Congress leadership in Karnataka is grappling with internal tensions:

• DK Shivakumar, a senior leader and power-sharing partner, has supporters demanding clarity on leadership roles, citing his organisational skills and grassroots reach.
• Discussions with the Congress high command in New Delhi are expected after January 15, covering leadership questions, cabinet reshuffle, and potential changes in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief.
• Siddaramaiah recently attended a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting but did not hold direct talks with Rahul Gandhi regarding Karnataka matters.

Home Minister G Parameshwara emphasised that any high command decision on leadership should ideally be resolved before the state budget preparation, noting that Siddaramaiah also holds the finance portfolio.

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Continuity in Governance

Amid speculation, Siddaramaiah has stressed continuity in governance, focusing on upcoming financial planning:

• He indicated that the 2026–27 state budget will be prepared and presented in March, as part of his 17th budget presentation in his political career.
• The CM’s remarks underscore his intent to maintain administrative stability despite internal political debates.

The budget preparation timeline also gains significance, as it coincides with the midway point of the current Congress government’s five-year term, adding urgency to resolving internal party issues.

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Political Implications

Siddaramaiah’s record tenure strengthens his standing within Karnataka Congress and consolidates his image as a veteran leader with broad support across communities. However, factional tensions with Shivakumar supporterssuggest that negotiations within the state Congress will be crucial in deciding the leadership and cabinet compositiongoing forward.

Supporters view his milestone as both a personal achievement and a strategic moment to reinforce his political base, particularly among the Ahinda coalition, which has historically been key to Congress’ success in Karnataka.

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Summary:

• Milestone: Siddaramaiah to become longest-serving CM on Jan 7, 2026 (2,793 days)
• Historical significance: Surpasses Devaraj Urs, consolidates his position in Karnataka politics
• Community focus: Ahinda coalition mobilisations, conventions, celebratory events
• Political context: Internal party debates, potential Cabinet reshuffle, and leadership discussions with the high command
• Governance: Focus on continuity and timely preparation of the 2026–27 budget

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