‘Today It’s Equal, Tomorrow It Breaks’: Siddaramaiah on Surpassing Devaraj Urs’ Longest CM Tenure
Bengaluru / Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said he has now equalled the long-standing Chief Ministerial tenure record of legendary leader Devaraj Urs, and is poised to break the record tomorrow, calling the moment a result of “people’s blessings, not political planning.”
Responding to questions on the milestone, Siddaramaiah said he had never set out to create records.
“I never did politics to burn documents or chase numbers. It just happened. Today, the record is equal. Tomorrow, it will be broken,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister said he was unaware of the exact number of years Devaraj Urs served until now, but described matching the record as an emotional moment, especially since both leaders hail from Mysuru.
“The times were different, the eras were different, but the people’s faith is the same,” he said.
Asked about completing a full term as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence but maintained that the final call rests with the Congress leadership.
“I have confidence, but everything depends on the high command’s decision,” he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Siddaramaiah said he never imagined rising beyond being an MLA.
“I thought becoming an MLA once would be enough. But opportunities came — minister, deputy CM, leader of opposition, and now Chief Minister,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated that politics has given him satisfaction because it allowed him to work for the poor, Dalits, and backward communities.
“Politics is about ensuring justice and reducing inequality. As long as inequality exists, our fight will continue,” he asserted.
On lighter moments, Siddaramaiah brushed aside questions about becoming an unofficial “brand ambassador” for nati koli (country chicken) cuisine, saying such stories were exaggerated by supporters.
“I’m a village man. In our homes, nati koli was cooked only when guests came,” he said with a smile.
On ongoing controversies, including investigations in the Ballari case and opposition allegations, Siddaramaiah said investigations should proceed without interference.
“Let the law take its course. Some parties speak politically, not legally,” he remarked.
Regarding cabinet reshuffle talks and meetings with senior Congress leaders, the Chief Minister said discussions were ongoing and decisions would be taken at the appropriate time.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ‘ಇವತ್ತು ಸಮ, ನಾಳೆ ಬ್ರೇಕ್’: ದೇವರಾಜ ಅರಸ್ ದಾಖಲೆ ಮುರಿಯಲು ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಸಿದ್ಧ
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