Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru/Bengaluru

Mysuru/Bengaluru, Jan 6: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is on the threshold of becoming the state’s longest-serving CM, has indicated his desire to serve a full term in office, expressing complete faith in the Congress high command.

Speaking to media representatives in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah said, “I have full faith in the high command. I am confident of serving as chief minister for a full term. Whatever happens, the high command decides everything. The high command’s decision is final.”

Reflecting on his political journey and the historic milestone of surpassing the tenure of the late Devaraj Urs, he added, “I was not aware of Devaraj Urs’s record. I never paid attention to which record needed to be broken. Everything has happened with the blessings of the people. Today, I have set that record straight. Political times were different then; today is different. The blessings of the people have brought me here, and I remain grateful. My political career began thinking that serving once as an MLA was enough. Later, I served as MLA, deputy CM, CM, and even presented the budget.”

On a lighter note, Siddaramaiah chuckled about fans sharing nati koli pulao (country chicken rice) in his name. “I don’t know who is sharing it. I come from a village, so naturally I like nati koli. Those from villages do enjoy it. I used to eat a lot before, now I eat less. I am not aware of anyone sharing it today,” he said.

When asked about speculations regarding a cabinet reshuffle after the Sankranti festival and his recent meeting with K C Venugopal, Siddaramaiah clarified, “He was passing through Mysuru on the way to Delhi. That’s the only reason I met him. No political discussion took place. Nothing on cabinet reshuffles was discussed. When the high command calls me to Delhi on this, I will go.”

On the ongoing Ballari controversy, he stated, “The JD(S) and BJP are politicising it. Investigation is underway. Once the report comes, I will speak. Today, I will discuss giving the CBI investigation with the home minister in Bengaluru. Afterwards, the government will take suitable action based on the report.”

Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar extended his good wishes to Siddaramaiah, saying, “I wish him all the best. May he have success and good health, and continue serving the people.”

Responding to questions on whether Siddaramaiah’s statements could create confusion, Shivakumar remarked, “You (media) are creating confusion. There is no confusion among us. I wish him well.”

Shivakumar also congratulated Siddaramaiah for surpassing Devaraj Urs’s record as Karnataka’s longest-serving chief minister. On concerns raised by former chief minister and union minister H D Kumaraswamy regarding IT department oversight of relief funds to a deceased Congress worker’s family, Shivakumar said, “All departments, including IT, are under the opposition’s watch, aren’t they? Kumaraswamy has it in his pocket. I will discuss with Zameer about the relief funds.”

On the Ballari visit, he emphasised the need to maintain peace in the district, adding, “The BJP is attempting desperate measures everywhere. I will personally observe the situation.”

Regarding reports that Congress president Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised due to health issues, Shivakumar said, “I have not received official information. We all pray for her speedy recovery. Her long-term health is important. Her guidance has been invaluable to the country and the party, especially during difficult times.”