Yelburga MLA Basavaraj Rayaraddi (right) with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO Congress leader and Yelburga MLA Basavaraj Rayaraddi has congratulated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on matching the longest tenure in office held by the former Chief Minister late D. Devaraj Urs, describing the milestone as a moment of pride for Karnataka’s tradition of social justice and people-centric governance. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Mr. Rayaraddi said that Siddaramaiah’s cumulative tenure in office now stands on par with that of Devaraj Urs who served as Chief Minister for 2,792 days and is widely regarded as the architect of land reforms and social justice in the State. He said that Mr. Siddaramaiah’s leadership has carried forward the same progressive legacy in tune with contemporary needs. Tracing Karnataka’s political history, Mr. Rayaraddi noted that the State’s progressive culture has been shaped by leaders who upheld Constitutional values and stood firmly with the oppressed, backward classes and marginalised communities. Along with Devaraj Urs, he referred to the former Chief Ministers Kengal Hanumanthaiya, S. Nijalingappa and Ramakrishna Hegde for their contribution to inclusive governance. The MLA said that Mr. Siddaramaiah, who served as Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018 and again, starting May 2023, has created a record through sustained, transparent and people-oriented administration. He expressed the confidence that the Chief Minister will continue to lead the State until May 2028 and guide Karnataka towards all-round development. Highlighting major welfare schemes such as Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya, Vidyasiri, Indira canteens, Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi, Yuva Nidhi and farmer-centric programmes, Mr. Rayaraddi said that these initiatives have ensured economic security and social dignity for the poor, women, students, youth, workers and farmers without discrimination on the basis of caste or religion. He described the schemes as hallmarks of a true welfare State. Mr. Rayaraddi also praised the State government’s emphasis on transparency, financial discipline and adherence to Constitutional values. He said that Mr. Siddaramaiah’s leadership is marked by inclusive politics that transcends caste, religion and language. Concluding the letter, he said that Mr. Siddaramaiah’s contributions will be remembered with respect in the pages of Karnataka’s political history and expressed the hope that the State will further strengthen its position as a national model for social justice, harmony and comprehensive development. Published – January 06, 2026 07:18 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Leopard dies after getting hit by a vehicle near Channarayapatna Kanjirappally gears up for a political showdown