Siddaramaiah Says He Won’t Contest 2028 Karnataka Polls, Cites Age and ‘Polluted’ Politics - Yes Punjab News
Bengaluru, July 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)Senior Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, signalling his. . .
Bengaluru, July 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)Senior Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, signalling his retirement from electoral politics while affirming that he will continue to remain active in public life. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) member made the announcement while addressing a gathering at a birthday function in K. R. Pet town of Mandya district. His remarks, which have since gone viral on social media, prompted supporters to urge him to remain in active politics for another decade. However, Siddaramaiah stood by his decision. Later, in a post on X, Siddaramaiah reiterated that advancing age and the changing nature of politics had influenced his decision to step away from electoral contests. The veteran leader said he would continue to serve the people despite not seeking another electoral mandate. “I will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections. However, I will remain active in politics and continue to be a voice for the joys and hardships of the people,” he said. Siddaramaiah also expressed concern over what he described as the declining standards of public life, stating that politics had become “highly polluted” and that honest politics was finding it increasingly difficult to survive. He observed that elections had become far more expensive than in earlier decades. Referring to repeated requests from people in his Varuna Assembly constituency to contest again, Siddaramaiah said he had firmly decided against returning to the electoral arena. He noted that he would be around 82 years old by the time the next Assembly elections are held and may no longer have the energy and health required for active electoral politics. Recalling his political journey, Siddaramaiah said he entered public life in 1978 as a Taluk Board member and would complete 50 years in politics by 2028. Over the decades, he said, he had experienced both victories and defeats but had never compromised his principles or acted against his conscience. Thanking the people of Karnataka for their trust and affection over the years, the former Chief Minister said his remaining years would continue to be devoted to public service. Siddaramaiah served as Karnataka Chief Minister for more than eight years across two terms, from May 2013 to May 2018 and again from May 2023 until June 2026, making him the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister. He had also indicated on several earlier occasions, including before the 2018 Assembly elections and in 2024, that he did not intend to contest the 2028 polls.