Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the 86th birth anniversary celebrations of former Speaker, the late ‘K.R. Pet’ Krishna, at K.R. Pet town in Mandya district on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: special arrangement
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced his retirement from electoral politics, while asserting that he will continue to remain active in public life and work for the Congress and the people.
Addressing a gathering during the 86th birth anniversary celebrations of former Speaker, the late ‘K.R. Pet’ Krishna, at K.R. Pet town in Mandya district on Saturday, the veteran Congress leader said he would not contest the 2028 Assembly elections.
The announcement came after supporters urged him to remain in electoral politics for another decade. Mr. Siddaramaiah, who represents the Varuna Assembly constituency, categorically stated that he would not seek re-election in 2028.
His remarks prompted many in the audience to appeal to him to reconsider the decision. The announcement also disappointed many of his supporters and loyalists in the Congress, several of whom want the 79-year-old leader to continue in active electoral politics.
Mr. Siddaramaiah, Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister after surpassing the record of D. Devaraj Urs, reiterated that he would remain active in politics despite stepping away from electoral contests.
After demitting office as Chief Minister this May to make way for D.K. Shivakumar, Mr. Siddaramaiah had said he would continue serving the people and undertake any responsibility assigned by the Congress high command.
He had also declined the party’s reported offer of a Rajya Sabha seat, saying he was not interested in national politics.
‘Polluted’ and honest politics’
Later, in a Facebook post, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the changing nature of politics had influenced his decision. “Politics has become polluted. Therefore, I have decided not to contest the 2028 Assembly elections. However, I will remain active in politics, stay with the people and continue to support them,” he said.
Recalling his political journey, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he entered public life in 1978 as a member of the Taluk Board and would complete 50 years in politics in 2028. “I have witnessed both victory and defeat, but I have never compromised on my ideology or betrayed my conscience. That gives me immense satisfaction,” he said.
Expressing concern over the present political nature, he said honest politics had become increasingly difficult. “There was a time when people voluntarily contributed money to help me contest elections. Today, the situation has changed, wherein money has to be given to people if one contests elections. There is no scope for honest politics. Considering this reality, along with my age and health, I have decided not to contest elections,” he said.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said he would be around 80 or 81 when the next Assembly term begins and acknowledged that advancing age and health considerations would limit his ability to work with the same energy.
Thanking the people of Karnataka for their unwavering support over the past five decades, he said, “The people of Karnataka have treated me as one among them and showered me with love and affection. I remain indebted to them and will continue to work for their welfare.”
Published – July 26, 2026 05:53 pm IST
