Siddaramaiah has made history by becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, a record that has stood since the time of the late D. Devaraj Urs. On January 6-7, 2026, the Congress veteran leader completed more than 2,792 days in office across his two terms, marking a new milestone in the state's history. Siddaramaiah has long been a political figure with a history of welfare-based administration, and he said he has stayed longer because the people were on his side and he was willing to serve them as long as they continued their blessings. His success is largely regarded as a reflection of his long service and leadership in Karnataka politics.
Siddaramaiah started politics in the early 1980s and was elected to the Karnataka Assembly in 1983.
He was gradually working up the political ladder, where he held major positions, including the finance minister and the deputy chief minister.
He was elected as the Chief Minister in 2013 and served a full-term of five years.
He was again sworn in as Chief Minister after the Congress came back to power in 2023.
His overall term of office surpassed the old mark, becoming the longest-serving CM in Karnataka.
His experience is a response to decades of policy-making, grassroots campaigns, and an emphasis on policies to promote social justice.
| Exam | Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| UKPSC Prelims | 2016 | According to which article of the Constitution is the Chief Minister appointed by the Governor? | Article 164 |
| RRC Group D | 2018 | Which article states that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor? | Article 164 |
| NBE Jr. Assistant | 2015 | Which article defines the duties of the Chief Minister? | Article 167 |
| UPSC CSE (Mains) | 2018 | Discuss the discretionary powers of the Governor in appointing the Chief Minister. | Answer based on the Governor’s discretion in hung assemblies |
| UPSC CSE (Mains) | 2020 | Examine the significance of the Chief Minister in the federal structure of India. | The answer focuses on the CM’s role in maintaining federal balance |

Siddaramaiah, the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, is a major milestone in the history of this state's politics. It is an indication of the long-standing popular backing and the existence of administration, as well as his role in the politics of the state. The success highlights the way in which experience and voter trust work together to influence long-term leadership in a democratic system.