Mysuru, Jan 5 (NationPress) In the midst of a leadership conflict, Siddaramaiah is poised to match the record for the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, a title currently held by D. Devaraj Urs, on Tuesday.

Urs served two terms as Karnataka's Chief Minister from 1972–77 and 1978–80. Siddaramaiah has been in office since May 2023 after completing a full term from 2013 to 2018.

Supporters and admirers of Siddaramaiah are already celebrating this achievement. Congratulatory banners and posters have been displayed near the Chief Minister's residence, including at the circle in front of the Kaveri residence in Bengaluru, commemorating Siddaramaiah's potential distinction as the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka.

During a press interaction in Mysuru, CM Siddaramaiah expressed that with the public's support, he would, on Tuesday (Jan 6), equal the record of the late Devaraj Urs concerning the duration of service as Chief Minister of the state. He mentioned that it brings him joy that Urs also hailed from Mysuru district, the same district he belongs to.

Siddaramaiah reflected on his political journey, stating he never anticipated reaching such a significant milestone. "I never imagined I would hold the position of a minister or Chief Minister. My only aspiration was to become an MLA after serving as a taluk board member," he shared.

He noted that he has contested a total of 13 elections, including taluk board elections, winning eight while losing two Parliamentary and two Assembly elections.

While reminiscing about Devaraj Urs's tenure, Siddaramaiah remarked that comparing himself to the late leader was inappropriate. "Urs did not belong to a socially backward community. The Urs community is traditionally a ruling class. Despite its small population, he gained immense popularity and became Chief Minister. There can be no comparison between him and me," he stated.

Siddaramaiah acknowledged that circumstances and challenges vary over time. "When I first contested elections in 1983, people supported and voted for me. Similarly, Devaraj Urs had the backing of the people during his tenure. At one point, he was elected unopposed in 1962. Times have changed," he noted.

He added that political records are meant to be surpassed, humorously referencing, "Did Virat Kohli not break Sachin Tendulkar's records?"

The Chief Minister emphasized that he does not believe such milestones would remain unmatched. "Other leaders may come forward, rule for a longer duration than I have, and present more budgets than me," he remarked.

Devaraj Urs served as Chief Minister continuously for over seven-and-a-half years, holding office for 7 years and 239 days. Siddaramaiah has now equaled this record across his two terms. S. Nijalingappa of the Congress is third on the list, having served for 7 years and 175 days across three terms. He is followed by Ramakrishna Hegde of the Janata Party, who served for 5 years and 216 days over two stints, while the BJP's B.S. Yediyurappa occupies the fifth position with a tenure of 5 years and 82 days across four terms.

Unlike Devaraj Urs, Siddaramaiah did not remain in office immediately after completing his first term, as the Congress party did not return to power at that time. Following the 2018 Assembly elections, which resulted in a hung verdict, Congress formed a coalition government with the Janata Dal-Secular.

Subsequently, the BJP ascended to power in the state, with Yediyurappa and later Basavaraj Bommai serving as Chief Ministers. In the 2023 Assembly elections, Congress achieved a clear majority, allowing Siddaramaiah to reclaim his role as Chief Minister for a second term.

Siddaramaiah, previously associated with Lok Dal and Janata Dal, joined Congress in 2006 and has since held various critical positions, including that of Leader of the Opposition. He also served twice as Deputy Chief Minister in the Janata Dal and Janata Dal-Secular governments.

Initially mentored by JD-S supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda during his political beginnings, Siddaramaiah later became a close associate. However, after challenging the Deve Gowda family, he was expelled from JD-S and subsequently joined Congress.

Siddaramaiah has also set a record in budget presentations, having presented 16 state budgets to date.