Senior Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, saying advancing age, health concerns and the growing influence of corruption in politics have prompted his decision. The veteran leader, one of Karnataka’s most influential politicians, said his current term as an MLA would be his last electoral assignment, bringing an end to a political career that has spanned more than four decades.
Speaking at a public function, Siddaramaiah said politics has changed significantly since he first entered public life. He expressed concern over the increasing role of money power and corruption in elections, arguing that these developments have made it difficult for honest leaders to engage in politics on equal terms. According to him, electoral politics today demands enormous financial resources, making it increasingly challenging for leaders driven by public service rather than wealth.
The Congress stalwart, who will be nearly 80 by the time Karnataka goes to the Assembly polls in 2028, said age and health were equally important reasons behind his decision. He acknowledged that active electoral politics requires considerable physical stamina and constant public engagement, both of which become more demanding with age.
“I will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections. Age, health and the present state of politics have influenced my decision,” Siddaramaiah said, adding that he wanted to make the announcement well in advance rather than leaving room for speculation closer to the elections.
However, he made it clear that he is not retiring from public life or the Congress party. Siddaramaiah said he would continue to work for the people of Karnataka and remain actively involved in political and social issues. He stressed that public service is not limited to contesting elections and that he intends to keep contributing through guidance, advocacy and organisational work within the party.
The former Chief Minister also reiterated his commitment to the ideals of social justice, welfare and inclusive development, issues that have defined much of his political career. He said he would continue raising the concerns of farmers, labourers, backward classes, minorities and other disadvantaged communities, even after stepping away from electoral politics.
Siddaramaiah‘s announcement is expected to have a significant impact on Karnataka politics. As one of the Congress party’s tallest leaders in the state, his decision signals the beginning of a leadership transition within the Karnataka Congress ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. Political observers believe the party will now have to gradually groom the next generation of leaders capable of carrying forward his political legacy.
Throughout his political journey, Siddaramaiah has been regarded as a mass leader with a strong grassroots connect. He has represented multiple Assembly constituencies over the years and has held several key positions, including Deputy Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Minister. His tenure as Chief Minister between 2013 and 2018 was marked by the introduction of several welfare programmes, while he returned to the top post after the Congress secured a decisive victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.
Known for his outspoken views, Siddaramaiah has repeatedly criticised what he describes as the increasing commercialisation of politics. During his latest remarks, he again expressed disappointment over the growing role of money in elections, saying politics today has drifted away from its core purpose of serving people. He suggested that corruption has become deeply embedded in the political system, making elections more about financial strength than public trust.
Despite ruling himself out of the 2028 electoral race, Siddaramaiah assured party workers that he would remain accessible and continue campaigning for the Congress whenever required. He said his experience could still benefit the party, particularly in mentoring younger leaders and strengthening the organisation across Karnataka.
His announcement has also sparked political discussions over the future leadership of his Varuna Assembly constituency. While Siddaramaiah did not comment on possible successors, political circles have speculated that his son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, could play a larger political role in the years ahead. The Congress, however, has not made any official statement regarding future candidates or succession plans.
Leaders from the Congress have praised Siddaramaiah’s contribution to Karnataka politics, describing him as one of the party’s most influential figures. His long political career has been associated with welfare-oriented governance, social justice initiatives and efforts to improve access to education, healthcare and public services for marginalised communities.
Political experts believe Siddaramaiah’s decision marks the end of an important electoral chapter in Karnataka politics. Even after stepping away from contesting elections, they expect him to remain an influential voice in the Congress, particularly during election campaigns, policy discussions and organisational decisions.
With nearly two years left before the next Karnataka Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah’s announcement gives the Congress ample time to plan its future leadership strategy. At the same time, it underscores the veteran leader’s belief that public life extends beyond holding elected office.
While he may no longer seek votes after his current term, Siddaramaiah has made it clear that his commitment to Karnataka and its people remains unchanged. His decision reflects both a personal assessment of age and health and a broader concern about the changing nature of Indian politics, where he believes money power and corruption have increasingly overshadowed public service.
