Siddaramaiah Rules Out 2028 Karnataka Polls, Cites Health And Age Concerns

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday announced that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, citing his age, health concerns and the changing nature of politics. The senior Congress leader said he would continue to remain active in public life and raise issues concerning people despite stepping away from electoral politics. In a post shared on social media platform X, Siddaramaiah said he had taken the decision after considering his age and physical condition. He stated that he is currently 79 years old and would be around 81-82 by the time the next Karnataka Assembly elections are held.

According to him, his health is no longer as strong as it was earlier, making it difficult to continue working with the same level of energy and enthusiasm. “I will not contest in the 2028 assembly elections. I am now 79 years old. Our government’s term still has one and a half years left. By then, I will be 81-82 years old. My health is not as robust as it used to be. It is no longer possible to work with the same enthusiasm as before,” Siddaramaiah wrote. The Congress leader also said his decision was influenced by the current state of politics, which he described as increasingly affected by corruption.

He expressed concern over the challenges within the political system and said he did not wish to continue contesting elections in such an environment. “Since the political field has become corrupted today, I will not contest in the 2028 assembly elections. However, remaining active in politics, I will continue to stand as a voice for the people’s hardships and joys,” he said. Siddaramaiah's announcement comes after months of speculation over his political future. The veteran leader has remained one of the most influential figures in Karnataka politics and has played a key role in shaping the Congress party's presence in the state.

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His decision not to contest the next Assembly elections marks a significant shift for the party as it prepares for future leadership transitions. The former chief minister also mentioned that there had been public pressure on him to contest once again. However, he said he had decided to prioritise his health and step away from electoral battles while continuing his role as a public representative outside the election arena. Siddaramaiah served as Karnataka Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018 and returned to the post after the Congress won the 2023 Assembly elections.

His long political career has included several important positions, including roles as a minister in state governments and as a prominent opposition leader. His announcement is expected to trigger discussions within Karnataka's political circles, particularly within the Congress, over future leadership and succession planning. The party will now have to focus on identifying and strengthening leaders who can carry forward its political strategy in the state.

While Siddaramaiah has ruled out contesting the 2028 elections, he made it clear that he is not retiring from public life. The veteran politician said he would continue advocating for people's concerns and remain involved in political discussions. The decision marks a new phase in the career of one of Karnataka's most prominent political figures. Although he will not seek another electoral mandate, Siddaramaiah's influence in the state's political landscape is expected to continue through his public engagement and guidance to the Congress party.

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