DK Shivakumar Congratulates Siddaramaiah on Record-Breaking Tenure, Sidesteps CM Speculation

Bengaluru, Jan 2026 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Monday warmly congratulated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as he prepared to create history by becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister of the state. Speaking to the media at the Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar described the milestone as a moment of pride and joy for the entire state and the Congress party.

Responding to questions about Siddaramaiah completing a record tenure on January 6, Shivakumar said the achievement deserved wide recognition. “It is a matter of great happiness, not just for us but for everyone, including the media. Please publicise it well. I heartily congratulate our respected Chief Minister. Everyone in life strives to achieve something, and he has already entered the pages of history and will continue to do so,” he remarked.

When asked whether Siddaramaiah’s record would make his own political path smoother, Shivakumar firmly avoided speculation. Emphasising his journey from humble beginnings, he said, “I have come this far from a village background. What more do I need? I am not looking for anything. Please don’t force me to say things I don’t want to say.” His response was widely seen as an attempt to deflect questions amid ongoing discussions about leadership within the state Congress.

Shivakumar also reacted to a comment made by his younger brother, former MP D.K. Suresh, who had said that “good days are coming.” With a touch of sarcasm, the Deputy Chief Minister replied, “For us, every day is a good day. Yesterday is past, tomorrow is the future, and today is the present. Talking to you today itself is a good day.” The remark was interpreted as an effort to play down political expectations and speculation.

Siddaramaiah is set to equal the record of legendary leader D. Devaraj Urs, who served as Karnataka’s Chief Minister for a total of 7 years and 239 days across two terms between 1972 and 1977, and again from 1978 to 1980. Siddaramaiah, who earlier served a full term from 2013 to 2018, has been in office again since May 2023, thereby matching Urs’s long-standing record.

Beyond leadership discussions, Shivakumar also spoke about the Congress party’s plans to oppose changes affecting the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He announced that an initial “Save MGNREGA” protest meeting would be held on January 8 at 5 p.m. “I have called all MLAs, MLCs and MPs to attend the meeting. We have received instructions from AICC leaders. After this protest, we will design programmes at the district and taluk levels,” he said, signalling a coordinated statewide campaign.