Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 assembly elections. He said that due to increasing age, health related reasons and increasing corruption in politics, he has decided to stay away from electoral politics.
Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 assembly elections. However, he clarified that he is not retiring from active politics. He says that he will continue to raise public issues in future and will remain active in social and political activities. KR of Mandya district. Addressing an event organized in PET, Siddaramaiah said that the current political environment has changed a lot compared to earlier and there is not enough space left for honest politics.
The main reason given is increasing age and health.
Siddaramaiah said that he is now 79 years old and at this age it is not possible to work with the same energy as before. He said that by the time his government’s tenure ends, he will be between 81 and 82 years of age, so he has decided to stay away from electoral politics. He said that his health is not as strong as before and it is no longer easy for him to remain active in electoral politics for a long time. For this reason he has decided not to contest the upcoming assembly elections.
Expressed concern over corruption in politics
In his address, Siddaramaiah said that in the present times the nature of politics has changed a lot. He alleged that now the electoral process is not the same as before and the influence of money power in politics has continuously increased. He said that earlier during the elections the people of the area themselves supported the candidates and came forward to ensure their victory. But now the situation has become such that to contest elections the leaders have to spend money among the people. According to him, this change is a matter of concern for democratic politics.
Confidence to continue serving the public
Siddaramaiah clarified that not contesting elections does not mean keeping distance from politics. He said that he will continue to raise public issues in future also and will remain active in serving the society. He said that in the last almost five decades, the people of Karnataka have given him continuous support, trust and respect. He will remember this belief throughout his life and will continue to fulfill his responsibility towards the public.
Will complete 50 years of political life in 2028
The former Chief Minister said that the year 2028 will be an important milestone in his political career. At that time he will complete 50 years of his public life. He said that in such a long political journey, he always tried to work according to his principles. He claimed to never compromise with his values and conscience and always gave priority to public interest.
Statement came after leaving the post of Chief Minister
This statement of Siddaramaiah has come almost two months after leaving the post of Chief Minister. He resigned from the post of Chief Minister in May 2026 following the decision of the Congress leadership. At the time of formation of the Congress government, there was discussion within the party regarding change of leadership for the post of Chief Minister. Later, as per the decision of the party leadership, there was a change of power and D.K. Shivkumar assumed the responsibility of the post of Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 20 May 2023 to 28 May 2026. After his tenure, the process of leadership change was completed.
There was a long discussion regarding change of leadership.
After the formation of the Congress government in Karnataka, there were several rounds of discussions within the party regarding the post of Chief Minister. Speculations about change of leadership also kept coming up from time to time. Later, the Congress leadership held several rounds of meetings with senior leaders and the decision to change the leadership was taken on the basis of organizational consensus. After this Siddaramaiah resigned from the post of Chief Minister and the transfer of power was completed peacefully.
Siddaramaiah remains popular among supporters
Although he has decided not to contest the elections, Siddaramaiah said that the people of his constituency Varuna still want him to contest the elections once again. He respected the supporters’ request and said it was a matter of pride for him, but gave no indication of changing his decision. He reiterated that now his priority is not to win elections, but to remain in public life and raise people’s problems and protect democratic values.
What will it mean for Congress?
Political analysts believe that Siddaramaiah’s decision to withdraw from electoral politics is important for the Congress. He has been among the most influential leaders of Karnataka Congress for a long time and is considered to have a strong hold on the politics of the state. However, he has made it clear that he will continue to play an active role in the organization’s guidance, political strategy and issues of public interest. In such a situation, his role as a senior guide and campaigner can be important in the upcoming assembly elections.
keep an eye on future politics
This decision of Siddaramaiah has given rise to new discussions in Karnataka politics. In the coming years, political circles will be keeping an eye on how Congress puts forward the new leadership in the state and what role Siddaramaiah plays in the organization. At present his message is clear that he will stay away from the electoral arena, but his active participation in public life and political discourse will continue.
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