Bengaluru, Jan 08, 2026 – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who recently became the longest-serving chief minister in the state’s history, reflected on his political journey and emphasized that the continuation of his public life depends entirely on the blessings of the people. At the age of 77, Siddaramaiah underscored that political office is ultimately sustained by public support, stating that he would remain in politics only as long as the people continued to trust and support him.

“One has to have the blessings of people to be in politics. With the blessings of the people I have come so far. I do not know how long I will be there in politics. I have come this far and will continue in the future too. I will remain in politics until I have the blessings of the people,” Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday, addressing the press and party members.

The milestone, Siddaramaiah noted, is not merely a personal achievement, but a reflection of the faith that the citizens of Karnataka have placed in him over the decades. He expressed satisfaction with the functioning of his administration, highlighting social welfare initiatives and measures aimed at uplifting marginalized communities across the state.

Defending Achievements Amid BJP Criticism

Siddaramaiah’s remarks come amid sustained criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the Congress-led government of financial mismanagement and underperformance in delivering development goals. Responding to these critiques, the Chief Minister dismissed the claims as misleading and called on opposition leaders to acknowledge the welfare measures his government has implemented.

“Who brought the SCP TSP Act? Did they do it? Did they provide reservation in promotions? Who gave the Anna Bhagya scheme? How can they say I did not do anything? They should ask people what we have done,” he said.

The SCP TSP Act, Siddaramaiah noted, is a landmark piece of legislation that mandates dedicated budgetary allocations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), ensuring resources are allocated equitably for historically disadvantaged communities. Likewise, the Anna Bhagya scheme, a flagship food security initiative, provides subsidized or free food grains to vulnerable populations, addressing hunger and malnutrition across the state. Siddaramaiah highlighted these programs as concrete evidence of his government’s focus on social welfare, equity, and inclusive development.

By pointing to these achievements, the Chief Minister sought to frame his long tenure not as a matter of personal ambition, but as a sustained commitment to policies that prioritize social justice and public welfare. He urged citizens to consider the real-world impact of his government’s initiatives rather than relying solely on political rhetoric from the opposition.

Opposition Response

The BJP responded cautiously to Siddaramaiah’s record-breaking tenure. Veteran BJP leader and former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa remarked that comparisons between Siddaramaiah and Devaraj Urs, Karnataka’s legendary leader known for his pro-farmer and pro-backward community reforms, were inappropriate. Yediyurappa acknowledged Siddaramaiah’s long tenure but reiterated that the BJP was preparing to return to power in the state.

He expressed confidence in the party’s prospects for the 2028 Assembly elections and the upcoming local body polls, stating that the BJP aimed to secure a large majority in the state legislature. While respecting Siddaramaiah’s service, Yediyurappa emphasized that political power is temporary and contingent on public approval, implicitly highlighting the competitive nature of Karnataka’s political landscape.

Felicitation and Public Recognition

While political debates continue between the ruling Congress and the opposition, preparations are underway to publicly recognize Siddaramaiah’s milestone. In Vijayapura, the district administration and the Congress party are jointly organizing a special felicitation program on January 9 to honor the Chief Minister’s record-breaking tenure.

State Minister M. B. Patil, addressing the media, highlighted that the program was being organized on behalf of the people of Vijayapura as a gesture of gratitude and recognition. The celebrations will not only honor Siddaramaiah’s political journey but will also coincide with a series of development-related initiatives aimed at benefiting local communities.

Patil detailed several scheduled events, including the inauguration of a statue of Veer Rani Kittur Chennamma at the central bus stand in Vijayapura, paying tribute to the legendary queen who fought against colonial rule. In addition, the bus stand itself will be renamed in her honor, further preserving the legacy of local historical figures.

Other initiatives to be launched include the inauguration of a cycling velodrome, promoting sports and physical activity among youth, along with several departmental development projects. Foundation stones for new infrastructure projects will also be laid, marking a tangible link between Siddaramaiah’s milestone recognition and ongoing regional development.

Reflection on Political Longevity

Siddaramaiah’s record tenure highlights the intersection of political longevity and public accountability. At 77, he continues to actively engage with governance, social welfare, and infrastructure initiatives while remaining mindful of the impermanence of electoral mandate. His repeated emphasis on the “blessings of the people” underscores a broader principle in democratic politics: political power is ultimately conferred by citizens and can only be sustained through trust and service.

For Siddaramaiah, the milestone is both a personal achievement and a public endorsement. It is a moment to reflect on decades of political service, from policy-making to social welfare programs, all of which have contributed to shaping modern Karnataka. Despite opposition criticism, the Chief Minister’s narrative emphasizes substance over rhetoric, advocating for recognition based on tangible benefits delivered to citizens rather than political slogans.

Conclusion

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s record tenure offers a window into the complex realities of governance in a competitive democracy. Balancing administrative responsibilities, public welfare, and political strategy, he continues to navigate criticism from opposition parties while seeking to ensure that his policies reflect the aspirations of ordinary citizens.

As felicitation programs and development initiatives coincide with his recognition as the longest-serving CM, Siddaramaiah’s statements reinforce a central tenet of democratic leadership: political authority is rooted in public trust, sustained by service, and measured by the tangible impact on society.

Whether Siddaramaiah’s journey in politics continues for several more years or comes to a close will ultimately depend on the continued blessings of the people, a principle he has consistently cited as the foundation of his long-standing public life. Meanwhile, Karnataka’s political landscape remains dynamic, with the opposition preparing for a return to power and the ruling party consolidating its social welfare initiatives as a testament to governance over rhetoric.