Bengaluru, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister and President of the Karnataka Congress, D.K. Shivakumar, who is a notable candidate for the Chief Minister's position, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday as he is poised to set a record tomorrow (Tuesday) for the longest tenure as CM.

Shivakumar made these remarks while addressing the media at Vidhana Soudha.

In response to questions about Siddaramaiah's upcoming record, Shivakumar stated, “This is an incredibly positive event. It brings joy to all, including you. Please ensure this is well publicized. I extend my sincere congratulations to him. Everyone aspires to achieve something significant in life. Our esteemed Chief Minister has already made his mark in history and will continue to do so.”

When queried if this record would ease his own political ambitions, he replied, “I have come this far, originating from a village background. What more could I desire? I am not searching for anything. Please don’t try to extract unintentional comments from me.”

Addressing remarks from his younger brother, former MP D.K. Suresh, who hinted at brighter days ahead, Shivakumar commented, “For us, every day is a good day. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. Engaging with you today is a good day indeed,” he added with a hint of irony.

Amidst ongoing leadership dynamics, Siddaramaiah is set to match the record for the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, previously held by D. Devaraj Urs, on Tuesday.

Devaraj Urs held the chief ministerial position for two terms: 1972-77 and 1978-80, while Siddaramaiah has been in office since May 2023 after previously serving from 2013 to 2018.

Devaraj Urs served continuously for over seven-and-a-half years, totaling 7 years and 239 days. Siddaramaiah has now matched that record over his two tenures.

Regarding the MGNREGA protests, Shivakumar mentioned, “I have invited all MLAs, MLCs, and MPs to join a preliminary ‘Save MGNREGA’ protest meeting on January 8 at 5 p.m. We have received directives from AICC leaders. I’m using the media to extend this invitation to our leaders. Following this protest, we will plan programs at the district and taluk levels.”

In response to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's criticisms, he stated, “Kumaraswamy occasionally makes statements for the media and then departs. He does not engage seriously in politics. I won’t respond to comments from those who only engage in media politics.”

Reacting to Kumaraswamy's ironic remark about him being a “great Deputy CM,” concerning his statement about BJP MLA Janardhan Reddy’s potential need for security, Shivakumar said, “The issue of who requires security can be discussed later. The Home Minister will address that. I will not respond further.”

“I will also be going to Ballari since one of our party members has passed away. I’ve received updates from the party committee, and an official report is pending. There’s no need for me to react to statements from Kumaraswamy or others. They can say what they wish. Kumaraswamy speaks and leaves. We seek peace in Ballari,” Shivakumar remarked.

“The people of Ballari have endured enough hardships in the past, and we don’t want any more troubles. That’s our only wish. Many unfortunate events have already transpired. The recent tragic incident should never have occurred, but it did, and it saddens me,” Shivakumar added.

He concluded, “Kumaraswamy seems to have some affection for me, which is appreciated. Whether his comments were made with good or bad intent, I take it positively that he referred to me as a ‘great Deputy CM’.”

When asked if he would visit the family of the deceased party worker in Ballari, he replied, “I will go wherever our leaders direct me.”

Responding to Janardhan Reddy’s claim of him supporting criminal legislators, he said, “I have also faced criminal charges and been labeled a criminal. Janardhan Reddy should reflect on his own history and see how many have criminal cases against them. Don’t former chief ministers, MLAs, and MPs have criminal records? Until a court verdict is delivered, is not every accused just that?”

Discussing the visit from Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister Jagdeep Singh, Shivakumar noted, “Jagdeep Singh is of Indian descent. He serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Penang and is also the Education Minister. He has visited our universities and is here for a collaborative initiative with Bengaluru University, inviting us to participate.”