Siddaramaiah will be the first chief minister of Karnataka since D. Devaraj Urs (1972-77) to complete full five years in office. Despite the rumblings at the start of his term, 69-year-old Siddaramaiah is all set to become the first chief minister in Karnataka since D.Devaraj Urs (1972-77) to complete full five years in office. Known for his coalition-building abilities, Siddaramaiah politics have been influenced by Dalit icon Dr. B.R. However, it is his effort to earn the trust of the party high command that helped him the most. It was the April 2017 victory at Nanjangud and Gundlupet bypolls that cemented his post, subsequently named by the high command as the face of the 2018 elections.

Source: Mint March 29, 2018 18:11 UTC