Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah has said he will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections, citing his age, health and growing corruption in politics. However, he said he would remain active in public life and continue to raise issues affecting the people.
Speaking at an event in K R Pet, Mandya district, on Saturday, Siddaramaiah said, “Politics has become completely corrupt, and there is no room left for honest politics.”
The 79-year-old leader said his health was no longer strong enough to continue working with the same energy. His announcement comes two months after he stepped down as Chief Minister under the Congress party’s rotational leadership arrangement. Siddaramaiah served as Chief Minister from 20 May 2023 to 28 May 2026, after which DK Shivakumar took over.
Siddaramaiah to retire from polls after 50 years in politics
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said he will complete 50 years in politics in 2028, reaffirming that he will not contest any future elections.
In a post on social media, Siddaramaiah said people from the Varuna Assembly constituency had urged him to contest again, but he had decided to step away from electoral politics.
He said election campaigns had changed significantly over the years. “Earlier, people in the constituency would support us and help ensure our victory. Now, leaders themselves have to spend money to contest elections,” he said.
Siddaramaiah added that by 2028 he would be 82 years old and would have completed five decades in public life, making it the right time to retire from contesting elections.
Siddaramaiah says he never compromised on his principles
Siddaramaiah said he was satisfied that he had never acted against his principles or compromised with his conscience during his political career.
In a social media post, he said the people of Karnataka had supported and guided him throughout the past five decades, adding that he would always remain indebted to them.
Siddaramaiah said that although he would no longer contest elections, he would continue to dedicate his life to public service.
