Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday announced that he will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections, citing his age, declining health and what he described as the growing corruption in politics.

Speaking at a private event in Mandya district, Siddaramaiah said he would remain active in public life but had decided against contesting any future elections.

“The political field has become corrupted today. Therefore, I have decided that I will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections. However, I will continue to remain active in politics and raise my voice for the people’s hardships and joys,” he said.

The senior Congress leader said people from his Varuna constituency had been urging him to contest again, but he had made up his mind not to seek another electoral mandate.

Recalling his political journey, Siddaramaiah said he entered politics in 1978 as a taluk board member and that by 2028, he would have completed 50 years in public life.

“I have seen both victories and defeats, but I am satisfied that I have never acted against my principles or betrayed my conscience,” he said.

The former Chief Minister also lamented what he called the increasing role of money in elections.

“There was a time when people of the constituency contributed money and ensured our victory. Today, the situation has changed. If we have to contest elections now, we have to distribute money to the people. Politics has become thoroughly corrupted, and honest politics seems to have no place,” he said.

Siddaramaiah, who is 79, said his age and health had also influenced his decision. He noted that he would be around 82 years old by the time the next Assembly elections are held and said he could no longer work with the same energy as before.

Expressing gratitude to the people of Karnataka for their support over the past five decades, Siddaramaiah said he would dedicate the rest of his life to public service even after stepping away from electoral politics.

– Ends

Published On:

Jul 26, 2026 16:05 IST