Siddaramaiah is Karnataka’s longest-serving CM: ‘Don’t know how long I will stay’

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)

On a day when he surpassed the seven years and 238-day record of former Congress leader Devaraj Urs for being the longest serving Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah, who has been hoping for a full five-year term, has suggested he does not know how long he will remain in office.

“Only with the blessings of the people can we function as political leaders. I have come this far with the blessings of the people. I do not know how long I will remain in power. I have come this far and will remain in politics as long as we have the support of the people,” Siddaramaiah told reporters in Haveri on Wednesday after crossing the longest tenure mark.

The Karnataka CM’s remark regarding a possible short lived tenure came a day after he himself had expressed the desire to complete a second full five-year term as the CM if the Congress high command takes a decision on that front.

“I did not enter politics with the intent of breaking any record. It is a matter of circumstances and providence. I did not know the details of the tenure of Devaraj Urs. I have had the opportunity to surpass

Devaraj Urs’ tenure as the longest serving CM of Karnataka due to the support of the public. Tomorrow I will surpass the mark of Devaraj Urs,” he said Tuesday.

Siddaramaiah is expected to begin budget meetings after the Sankranti next week. On Siddaramaiah’s achievement, Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar had said Tuesday: “I pray to God to bestow him with good health, success and an opportunity to serve the people for a long time.” On the CM’s wish to complete a full term, Shivakumar said, “I wish Siddaramaiah well. I wish him all the best.”