Siddaramaiah equalled Devaraj Urs’ record as Karnataka’s longest-serving chief minister, completing 2,792 days in office, and is set to surpass it on January 7. While expressing confidence in completing a full five-year term, he emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the Congress high command.

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said he had not aimed to break any records and only considers it a coincidence. “I didn’t even know how long Devaraj Urs served. Today, due to the blessings of the people, I have equalled his record. Tomorrow it will be surpassed,” he noted. On completing the full term, he added, “I have confidence, but it depends on the high command’s decision.” Regarding a recent meeting with Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah clarified that no discussions on a cabinet reshuffle took place and that such matters will be addressed when the high command calls him.

Devaraj Urs, a social justice and land reform icon, served two terms as CM—from March 1972 to December 1977 (2,113 days) and from February 1978 to January 1980 (679 days). Siddaramaiah, also the only CM since Urs to complete a full five-year term, served 1,829 days in his first term (2013–2018) and has completed 963 days in his second term (2023–present).

Reflecting on his political journey, Siddaramaiah said he had never focused on records, only on serving people and performing his duties as MLA, minister, Deputy CM, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Minister. He emphasized his commitment to social justice, stating he will continue fighting inequality and serving the marginalized. Celebrations by his supporters included feasts featuring his favorite “nati koli” (country chicken) dishes. On this, Siddaramaiah humbly remarked that while he grew up eating such meals in his village, the attention now is due to his role as Chief Minister.