Siddaramaiah Announces He Will Not Contest 2028 Karnataka Polls, Signals End of Electoral Journey

Bengaluru, July 2026: Veteran Congress leader, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, signalling the end of a remarkable electoral career spanning five decades. While making it clear that he is stepping away from electoral politics, the 79-year-old leader said he would continue to remain active in public life and work for the people.

Speaking at the birthday celebrations of Congress leader K.R. Pet Krishna in Mandya district, Siddaramaiah said he had reached the decision after reflecting on his age and the changing nature of politics in the country.

“Politics has become highly polluted. Honest politics is struggling to survive. It is in this backdrop that I have decided not to contest any future elections,” he told party workers and supporters gathered at the event.

His announcement triggered emotional reactions from supporters, many of whom urged him to continue in active politics for at least another decade. Despite repeated appeals, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed that he would not contest another election.

The veteran leader later took to social media platform X to reiterate his decision, explaining that advancing age and the evolving political environment had influenced his choice. However, he clarified that retirement from electoral politics would not mean retirement from public life.

“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,” Siddaramaiah said.

He revealed that residents of his Varuna Assembly constituency had repeatedly urged him to seek another term, but he had firmly decided against entering the electoral fray again.

Reflecting on how elections have changed over the years, Siddaramaiah said politics today bears little resemblance to the days when he first entered public life.

“Earlier, people from the constituency would voluntarily contribute financially and help us win elections. Today, the situation has changed completely,” he observed, lamenting the rising cost of elections and the increasing influence of money in politics.

The former Chief Minister noted that he would be around 82 years old when the next Assembly elections are held in 2028 and acknowledged that age and health would inevitably limit his ability to undertake the demanding schedule required of an elected representative.

“By 2028, I will complete 50 years in public life. I began my political journey in 1978 as a Taluk Board member. Over these decades, I have experienced both victories and defeats, but I have never compromised my principles or acted against my conscience,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to the people of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said the affection and trust they had placed in him throughout his political career remained his greatest strength.

“The people of Karnataka have treated me as one among them. I will always remain indebted to them. Whatever years remain in my life will continue to be devoted to public service,” he said.

Siddaramaiah leaves behind one of the most distinguished political careers in Karnataka. He served as the state’s Chief Minister for two terms, becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister in Karnataka’s history, with more than eight years in office. His first tenure lasted from May 2013 to May 2018, when he became the first Congress Chief Minister in decades to complete a full five-year term. He returned to office after the 2023 Assembly elections and served until June 2026, before recently stepping down.

Known for championing welfare schemes, social justice initiatives and pro-poor governance, Siddaramaiah has remained one of the Congress party’s tallest leaders in Karnataka. His political journey began in 1978 as a Taluk Board member and evolved through multiple roles, including legislator, minister, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Minister.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Siddaramaiah has spoken about stepping away from electoral politics. When he first assumed office as Chief Minister in 2013, he had indicated that it could be his final election. Similar remarks were made ahead of the 2018 Assembly elections and again in 2024, when he said advancing age would likely prevent him from contesting in 2028.

Although his latest announcement appears to bring down the curtain on his electoral career, Siddaramaiah made it clear that he has no intention of withdrawing from public life. Instead, he said he would continue to speak for the people and remain engaged in political and social issues, ensuring that his experience and voice continue to shape Karnataka’s political discourse even after he exits the electoral arena.

Team Maverick.