Chief Minister Siddaramaiah scripted a new chapter in Karnataka's political history on Wednesday, surpassing the tenure record of former CM D Devaraj Urs to become the state's longest-serving chief minister. The milestone was celebrated in Haveri district, where he inaugurated the Haveri Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) and announced major healthcare projects for the region.
A Historic Tenure and Celebrations in Haveri
The inauguration ceremony of HIMS turned into a dual celebration, marking both a new medical facility and Siddaramaiah's record-breaking tenure. Party workers enthusiastically celebrated the achievement. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar led the festivities by cutting a cake and offering it to the Chief Minister.
The event saw a convergence of political figures from across party lines. Cabinet colleagues Shivanand Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, and HK Patil were present. Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai, along with Haveri district legislators, extended their wishes to Siddaramaiah on his historic accomplishment.
Major Healthcare Announcements for Haveri and Beyond
Responding to demands from several leaders, including former CM Bommai and ministers Shivanand Patil and HK Patil, Siddaramaiah made significant announcements. Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Lamani and Byadagi MLA Basavaraj Shivannavar had also advocated for enhanced medical infrastructure.
Siddaramaiah announced a super speciality hospital for Haveri district. Furthermore, addressing a demand by Haveri district minister Shivanand Patil, he assured that Vijayapura district would get a government medical college.
Outlining his government's vision, the Chief Minister asserted, "We are committed to improving the health sector in the state. So, each district gets a medical college, a super speciality hospital, a trauma centre, and a cancer hospital from the government." He emphasized that government medical services are a lifeline for the economically backward, as poor people cannot bear expenses at private hospitals.
Call for Bipartisan Effort on Key Water Projects
Shifting focus to developmental projects crucial for North Karnataka, Siddaramaiah called for cooperation from the opposition. He specifically urged former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to take the initiative.
The Chief Minister highlighted the need to implement the 3rd phase of the Upper Krishna irrigation project and the Mahadayi drinking water project. He noted that while an additional 172 tmc of water could be utilized as per tribunal orders, both projects require environmental clearance from the central government.
"Former chief minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai should take the initiative for a delegation to the Union government and remove all legal hurdles for the project," Siddaramaiah advised. He reminded the audience that Bommai had previously conducted a march for the Mahadayi project's implementation and urged him to keep politics aside for Karnataka's welfare.
"Word Power is World Power": DK Shivakumar's Tribute
On this significant day, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar paid a philosophical tribute to Siddaramaiah. Reiterating the statement "Word power is world power" on stage, he highlighted the importance of integrity in leadership.
"If you give your word, you must keep your word. Keeping one's given word is the greatest power in the world," Shivakumar said, underscoring the value of promises in public life.
The day in Haveri thus marked a blend of political history, concrete policy announcements for healthcare, and a call for collaborative development, setting the tone for the government's ongoing agenda.
