Mysuru, March 13 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday that he will remain in politics until his "last breath," and will continue to serve the people as much as he can.
He also appealed to the people of his Varuna assembly segment here to support and nurture his son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah politically, just as they had supported him.
"My political life has seen both victories and defeats. I have lost in four elections, and won in seven. Victories and defeats are common in politics, and I have experienced both, but I have never forgotten to serve the people. Until today, I have been serving the people as much as I can, and I will continue to do so. Until my last breath, I will remain in politics and serve you as much as I can," Siddaramaiah said.
Addressing a gathering, he said that he cannot often visit the Varuna assembly segment, and that his son, Yathindra, is handling the day-to-day affairs here.
"He was an MLA from here (2018-23). I will approve all the developmental work here as Yathindra suggests. Just as you supported me politically, you should also support Yathindra. I have confidence and faith that you will do so," he added.
These comments came amidst the ongoing power struggle between Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar over the chief minister post, amid speculation of a leadership change citing an alleged "power-sharing agreement" between the two after the 2023 Assembly polls.
Siddaramaiah credited his political growth and his becoming the CM twice, to the people of Varuna.
"If I am the chief minister and the Leader of Opposition twice, if I have presented Budgets for 17 times, it is because of the blessing of the people of Varuna hobli and Mysuru taluk. I became a Minister in 1984, and for about 46 years, I have been a Minister. I have contested 13 elections, lost in four, and even when I lost, you blessed me. I will never forget your blessings," he said.
Recalling his days of struggle, the CM said, "With hard work, I studied and became a lawyer. Later, I entered politics, and because of all your blessings, I have come this far."