Siddaramaiah Rules Out 2028 Election Contest
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections, citing his advancing age and growing concerns about corruption in contemporary politics.
Siddaramaiah Rules Out 2028 Election
Siddaramaiah said people in his Varuna constituency had urged him to contest again, but he had decided not to fight another election. He explained that he would be 81 or 82 by 2028 and might not retain the health and energy required to serve effectively.
The senior Congress leader made the remarks while recounting his address at a private event in K.R. Pet, Mandya district. He said his decision applied to future elections but did not mean that he was withdrawing from public life.
Siddaramaiah currently represents Varuna in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and is also a member of the Congress Working Committee.
Politics Has Become Polluted
The former chief minister said politics had become “deeply polluted” and increasingly influenced by money. He recalled that residents had financially supported his campaigns earlier, but claimed candidates were now often expected to pay voters.
Siddaramaiah said honest politics appeared to have little space to survive under current conditions. He added that he had completed nearly five decades in public life without abandoning his political principles or acting against his conscience.
Siddaramaiah to Remain Politically Active
Despite ruling out another electoral contest, Siddaramaiah said he would remain active in Karnataka politics and continue raising issues involving public hardship and welfare.
He began his political career as a Taluk Board member in 1978 and has experienced both electoral victories and defeats during his long career.
Siddaramaiah stepped down as Karnataka chief minister in May, allowing D.K. Shivakumar to assume the post. He subsequently declined an offer to enter the Rajya Sabha, saying he preferred to remain involved in state politics rather than move to the national level.
