Siddaramaiah makes history as Karnataka’s longest serving CM, but Yediyurappa takes a ‘Devaraj Urs’ swipe

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah being offered cake by state Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of various development initiatives, in Haveri. (CMO via PTI Photo)

Siddaramaiah recorded history Wednesday, becoming the longest serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, surpassing the record of his party colleague Devaraj Urs who helmed the top post of the state for 2,792 days. Siddaramaiah’s feat comes at a time when the Congress is caught up in a power tussle over speculations about a change of CM face after the grand old party reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.

As he etched his name in history, Siddaramaiah said he does not know how long he will be active.

“One has to have the blessings of people to be in politics. With the blessings of the people I have come so far, I don’t know how long I will be there (in politics). I have come so far, and will continue in the future too. Will remain in politics until I have the blessings of the people,” Siddaramaiah said.

Addressing the media, he said he is satisfied with his administration.

The BJP slammed the 77-year-old saying his achievements were zero and claimed that he has emptied the state coffers. In retort, the two-time CM said the opposition party leaders are experts in lying, and they keep doing it.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of various development initiatives, in Haveri, Karnataka. (Karnataka CMO via PTI Photo)

“Who brought the SCP/TSP (Special Component Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan) act? Did they (BJP) do it? Did they provide reservation in promotions? Who gave Anna Bhagya scheme? How can they say I did not do anything? They should ask people what we have done,” he added.

But BJP veteran Yediyurappa acccused the Siddaramaiah-led government of corruption. Lauding Devaraj for “good work”, Yediyurappa said his administrative style was different from Siddaramaiah’s.

“Things cannot be compared with Devaraj Urs, who had done good work. His administrative style was different from his (Siddaramaiah). At a time when this government is immersed in corruption, people won’t like such claims of big achievement,” Yediyurappa said in response to a question on Siddaramaiah surpassing Urs’ record.

Further, he said BJP is winning the upcoming local body polls.

“Our workers are working with enthusiasm, and you will see in the days to come, how we will win in the local body polls,” he added.