Former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announces retirement from electoral politics
Veteran Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, effectively bringing his electoral career to a close after nearly five decades in public life.
Speaking at a public event in Mandya district, Siddaramaiah said he would continue to remain active in politics and work for the Congress and the people, even though he would no longer seek elected office.
His announcement came while addressing supporters during the birth anniversary programme of former Assembly Speaker K.R. Pet Krishna. Many in the audience urged him to reconsider, but the senior leader maintained that he had made up his mind.
Later, in a social media post, Siddaramaiah explained that the changing nature of politics had influenced his decision. He said elections had become increasingly driven by money, making it difficult to practice politics in the manner he believed in.
He also cited advancing age and health as important considerations, noting that he would be over 80 years old during the next Assembly term.
Reflecting on his political journey, Siddaramaiah said he entered public life in 1978 and would complete 50 years in politics by 2028. He thanked the people of Karnataka for their support throughout his career and said he would continue serving society outside electoral politics.