New Delhi: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, saying that the growing corruption in politics and his advancing age have convinced him to step away from electoral contests.
The senior Congress leader, who is also a member of the Congress Working Committee, clarified that while he will no longer fight elections, he has no intention of retiring from public life. He said he will continue to remain politically active and work for the welfare of the people, raising his voice on issues that affect society.
Sharing details of his remarks made at a private event in Mandya district, Siddaramaiah said politics has become “deeply polluted” and that honest politics now has very little space to survive. He added that this was one of the key reasons behind his decision not to contest any future elections.
Siddaramaiah said supporters from his Varuna constituency have been urging him to contest once again, but he has firmly decided against it. Reflecting on the changing nature of elections, he recalled that earlier people from the constituency would voluntarily support candidates and contribute to their campaigns. According to him, the situation has now changed drastically, with politicians increasingly expected to spend money to secure electoral victories.
The veteran leader also pointed to his age as an important factor. Currently 79, Siddaramaiah said he will be around 81 or 82 by the time the next Assembly elections are held. He noted that his health may not remain as strong and he may not be able to work with the same energy and commitment in the years ahead.
Siddaramaiah stepped down as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 28 after the Congress high command asked him to hand over the post to D K Shivakumar. Following his resignation, he declined an offer to enter the Rajya Sabha, stating that he wanted to remain involved in Karnataka politics rather than shift to national politics.
Looking back on his political journey, Siddaramaiah said he began his career in 1978 as a Taluk Board member and will complete 50 years in public life by 2028. He said he has experienced both victories and defeats during his long career but has never compromised on his principles or acted against his conscience.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Karnataka for their unwavering support over the past five decades, Siddaramaiah said he remains indebted to them and will dedicate the rest of his life to public service, even though he will no longer contest elections.
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