Health, age and the ‘corrupt arena’: Siddaramaiah on why he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka elections

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday announced that he will not contest the 2028 state assembly elections. Speaking to social media, the Congress leader cited various reasons such as his health, age and an increasingly “corrupt political arena”.

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The former Prime Minister also added that he will remain active in public life and will continue to speak on behalf of the people.

Siddaramaiah, who resigned last month, also stated that the reason for his resignation was due to rampant corruption in politics.

“Since the political field has become corrupt today, I will not contest the House of Representatives elections in 2028. However, while remaining active in politics, I will continue to stand as a voice for people’s hardships and joys,” he said.

The announcement comes from the Karnataka leader after he was replaced by DK Shivakumar on June 3.

The Congress leader also added that his decision comes after public pressure on him to contest again.

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“By 2028, I will be 82 years old. It will mark the completion of 50 years in my political life. I started my political journey in 1978 as a member of the taluk council. I have witnessed defeats and victories. But I feel satisfied that I did not act against the principles I believe in, nor betray my conscience,” he added.

Despite his decision not to contest the upcoming state elections, the Congress leader added that he would remain dedicated to public service.

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According to the Election Commission of India’s results, the Indian National Congress won a landslide victory in the state by winning 135 seats in the 224-seat assembly. This landslide victory was also the first for Congress since the 1989 election.