Siddaramaiah breaks Devaraj Urs’s record, becomes the longest-serving CM of Karnataka

Siddaramaiah, the 78-year-old Congress leader, has become the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka by surpassing the record set by his role model and party icon D. Devaraj Urs. Urs held the post for two terms and seven years and 239 days. Mr. Siddaramaiah's tenure began in May 2023 after serving a full term from 2013-18. Both leaders hail from Mysuru, and both have championed pro-poor schemes. The implementation of land reforms during Urs's tenure was considered revolutionary, while Mr. Siddaramaiah's "Bhagya" schemes, now branded as five guarantees, have earned him recognition as a champion of the poor. The impact of these programs has been studied by multiple research groups and is believed to contribute to women's financial autonomy, access to basic services, and household well-being. Mr.