Siddaramaiah, 77, is now oldest serving chief minister

Mysuru/Bengaluru: Siddaramaiah, 77, is now the oldest serving chief minister in the country, adding another distinction to his political career months after setting a record as the state's longest-serving CM. The change follows the exit of Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, 82, after the Left Democratic Front's electoral defeat. Siddaramaiah's rise to the top comes at a time of generational shifts in state leadership. Observers say his continued tenure reflects his strong position in Karnataka politics even as Congress navigates internal discussions on his future. He had earlier overtaken former chief minister D Devaraj Urs in tenure, reinforcing his long-standing role in the state's governance.At 75, N Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh) is next, followed by Mizoram CM Lalduhoma, Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio and Puducherry CM N Rangaswamy, all aged 74. Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, 46, remains the youngest serving chief minister in India.Meanwhile, with results of the five state assembly elections now declared, Congress' high command is expected to turn its attention to the tussle over the chief minister post in Karnataka between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, amid indications that clarity may be provided soon.CM Siddaramaiah Wednesday reiterated that any decision on the issue rests entirely with Delhi party brass. "If I am called to Delhi, I will go. Otherwise, if I have to go, I will go when Rahul Gandhi gives an appointment," he said.Deputy CM Shivakumar echoed a similar view, dismissing speculation about an imminent visit to Delhi. "When we are called, we will go. They told us they would call. It won't look good if we go without being called," he said.Asked about the possibility of "good news" coinciding with his 64th birthday on May 15, Shivakumar declined to comment.Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah credited recent bypoll victories in Davanagere South and Bagalkot to public support for his govt. "The results clearly show people appreciate our govt and our programmes," he said. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to win three byelections last time and two now. We have the blessings of the people," he said.On rumours of a cabinet reshuffle, he said he would act strictly on directions from the high command.On disciplinary action against Muslim functionaries over alleged anti-party activities during the Davanagere bypoll, Shivakumar said the matter had already been decided. "Party brass reviewed the matter. The CM nominated Naseer Ahmed and has all the information. Abdul Jabbar was given an opportunity but did not perform, so he was removed," he said.
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