Siddaramaiah surpasses Devraj as longest-serving K'taka CM
Bengaluru, Jan. 7 -- As Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday became the longest-serving chief minister in the state's history, surpassing the cumulative record of former CM D Devaraj Urs, he said he was confident of completing a full five-year term, even as leadership speculation within the ruling Congress and sharp attacks from the BJP intensified.
Speaking in New Delhi, Siddaramaiah said he expected to continue as the chief minister for the remainder of the government's tenure, while noting that the final decision rested with the Congress high command. His remarks came after he completed more than 2,793 days in office across his terms, surpassing the record set by Urs, who led Karnataka from 1972 to 1977 and again from 1978 to 1980, completing 2,792 days.
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar publicly backed Siddaramaiah and dismissed suggestions of confusion within the party.
"Let good things happen. I wish him all the best. Good luck," Shivakumar said, when asked about the CM's comments. He added that reports of internal discord were misplaced. "You are creating confusion. We don't have any confusion...I wish him all the best, good luck," he said.
Earlier in the day, Shivakumar congratulated Siddaramaiah on crossing the milestone and said he hoped the CM would continue to serve the people....
To read the full article or to get the complete feed from this publication, please
Contact Us.