Health, age, and 'corrupted arena': Siddaramaiah won't contest 2028 Karnataka polls

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Sunday that he will not be contesting the 2028 state assembly elections, citing his age, health, and the perceived corruption in politics.

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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.

At 79 years old, Siddaramaiah stated that by the time of the next elections, he would be 81 or 82, and his health is no longer as robust as it once was. "It is no longer possible to work with the same enthusiasm as before," he wrote on the social media platform X. He also noted that 2028 would mark his 50th year in politics, having started as a taluk board member in 1978.

Beyond personal health and age, Siddaramaiah pointed to the increasingly "corrupted area of politics" as a significant factor in his decision. He expressed a desire to step away from electoral politics while remaining an active voice for the public. "However, remaining active in politics, I will continue to stand as a voice for the people’s hardships and joys," he stated.

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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.

The announcement follows his replacement by DK Shivakumar as Chief Minister on June 3. Despite stepping down from the top leadership role, Siddaramaiah emphasized his continued commitment to public service and his dedication to the principles he has upheld throughout his political career. The Karnataka assembly elections are scheduled for May 2028, with the Congress party having secured a significant victory in 2023.

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By 2028, I will be 82 years old. That will mark the completion of 50 years in my political life. I began my political journey in 1978 as a taluk board member. I have seen both defeats and victories. But I take satisfaction in the fact that I have not acted against the principles I believed in, nor betrayed my conscience.