Mandya: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday announced that he would not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, saying advancing age and what he described as the declining standards of politics had influenced his decision.
Addressing a public programme in K.R. Pet in Mandya district, Siddaramaiah said his journey in electoral politics would come to an end after nearly five decades. Supporters at the event urged him to remain in active politics for several more years.
In a subsequent post on X, the senior Congress leader said he had decided not to contest any future elections, describing the current political environment as “polluted.”
“I am now 79 years old. By the time the present government’s term ends, I will be around 81 or 82. I will not have the health and enthusiasm I once had. By 2028, my political career will complete 50 years, and it will be time to retire from electoral politics,” he said.
Recalling his political journey, Siddaramaiah said he entered public life as a Taluk Board member in 1978 and had experienced both victories and defeats over the past five decades. He added that he remained satisfied that he had stayed true to the ideology he believed in throughout his career.
The Congress veteran also expressed concern over what he called the changing nature of elections, claiming that politics had become increasingly driven by money.
“There was a time when people contributed money to help candidates win elections. Today, candidates themselves have to spend money to secure votes. Honest politics has become difficult,” he said.
While announcing his retirement from electoral contests, Siddaramaiah clarified that he was not stepping away from active public life. He said he would continue to raise issues concerning the people of Karnataka and dedicate the rest of his life to public service in gratitude for the trust and support he had received over the years.