Bengaluru: As Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah approaches a historic milestone, he is set to become the longest-serving chief minister in the state’s history on January 7, 2026. With seven years and 240 days in office across his terms, he will surpass the record previously held by D Devaraj Urs, who served for seven years and 239 days.

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah credited this achievement to the “blessings of the people” and reflected on the significance of the record. When asked whether his record could be broken in the future, he responded with characteristic humility and a sporting analogy: “I never said that no one can break my record. Records are meant to be broken. Someone may emerge to break my record of the longest-serving Chief Minister or the one who presented the maximum budgets. Think of it like Virat Kohli breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s records in cricket.”

Journey to the Record

Siddaramaiah, who hails from Mysuru, traced his political journey with reporters, noting the remarkable arc from a local Taluk Board member to the state’s highest elected office. “I had only thought that I would be an MLA after becoming the Taluk Board member. I have so far won eight elections. I lost two Parliamentary elections and two assembly elections. In my life, I have contested in 13 elections, including Taluk elections,” he said.

He drew a contrast with D Devaraj Urs, emphasizing the different social and political contexts in which both leaders operated. “Devaraj Urs was not socially backward. In fact, he was from a forward class, the ruling class. He was from a community whose population is low, but he was a popular leader. There is no comparison between him and me because Urs belonged to a different era,” Siddaramaiah said.

He further highlighted the evolution of politics over time, noting that Urs had contested elections by collecting money directly from the people in 1962, a practice that, he implied, belongs to a bygone era. “Time has now changed,” Siddaramaiah remarked.

Internal Party Dynamics

This record milestone comes at a politically sensitive time for the Congress in Karnataka. The state unit is witnessing speculation over a potential reshuffle in leadership, with Siddaramaiah’s tenure as Chief Minister coinciding with what some describe as a “now hot-now cold” tussle over the CM’s seat with his deputy, D K Shivakumar. Other senior leaders, including state home minister G Parameshwara, are also being viewed as key contenders amid internal debates.

On December 31, Parameshwara emphasized that any decision regarding the Chief Ministership rests solely with the Congress high command. Speaking in Bengaluru, he said, “There is no ‘my team’. Some people, friends, or well-wishers may express their views on their own. Even when I visit districts, some people say such things. It is their interest, but ultimately, the high command will make a decision.”

This statement comes amid widespread speculation within Karnataka’s Congress circles. Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, and Parameshwara are widely perceived as central figures in the ongoing deliberations about the state’s leadership, especially as the government has now crossed its halfway mark in the term. Party observers note that while the CMship debate has become a subject of internal discussion, the final decision ultimately lies with the national leadership of the Congress.

Reflections on Leadership

Siddaramaiah reflected on his political career with a sense of perspective, noting that his achievements are as much about public service as they are about personal milestones. “The matter of pride is that Urs and I belong to Mysuru. I never imagined reaching this point. I never thought of becoming a minister, let alone the CM. But this journey has been possible because of the trust people have placed in me,” he said.

His tenure has been marked by navigating both electoral challenges and governance responsibilities, including the presentation of multiple state budgets and oversight of development initiatives across Karnataka. Analysts note that his ability to maintain political stability and navigate internal party dynamics has contributed to his longevity in office.

Looking Ahead

As Siddaramaiah officially surpasses Urs’ record on January 7, the focus will not only be on the milestone itself but also on the ongoing political recalibrations within the state Congress. Party insiders indicate that while records and milestones are important, the leadership is closely watching the internal equations and preparations for upcoming elections.

Political commentators suggest that Siddaramaiah’s analogy comparing his record to cricketing feats underscores a broader perspective he holds toward politics—viewing milestones as temporary markers in a continuous journey, rather than endpoints. “Records are meant to be broken,” he reiterated, signaling both humility and confidence in the democratic process.

With his record-breaking tenure coinciding with internal leadership speculation, the coming weeks are expected to be pivotal for Karnataka politics. The Congress high command’s decisions regarding succession, if any, could have lasting implications for the state’s governance and the party’s electoral prospects.

As Siddaramaiah prepares to etch his name in Karnataka’s political history, his reflections and remarks offer a glimpse into a leader balancing personal milestones, historical comparisons, and the complex realities of contemporary political life.