Kerala, 26 July (HS): Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest any future elections, saying age, declining health and the changing nature of electoral politics have convinced him to step away from electoral contests. However, he made it clear that he would remain active in public life and continue to work for the people.

Speaking at a private function in K.R. Pet in Mandya district on Saturday, Siddaramaiah reflected on his political journey and his future plans.

He reiterated his decision in a post on social media on Sunday, putting to rest speculation over whether he would seek another electoral mandate.

The Chief Minister said supporters from his Varuna Assembly constituency had been urging him to contest again, but he had firmly decided against it. He said politics had undergone a fundamental change over the years, making it increasingly difficult for honest public representatives to succeed. Recalling earlier elections, he said candidates once relied on the goodwill and financial support of ordinary people, but the political environment had since become deeply commercialised and polluted.

Siddaramaiah also cited his advancing age and health as important reasons behind his decision. At 79, he said he no longer possessed the same energy and stamina that had sustained him through decades of public life. By the time the current government's tenure ends and the 2028 Assembly election is due, he said he would be around 82 years old and not in a position to shoulder the demands of another election campaign.

Reflecting on his five-decade political career, Siddaramaiah said he entered public life in 1978 as a Taluk Board member and had since experienced both victories and defeats. Despite the ups and downs, he said he had never compromised on his ideological convictions or acted against his conscience.

Expressing gratitude to the people of Karnataka for their affection and trust over the past 50 years, Siddaramaiah said he considered it a lifelong debt. While he would stay away from electoral politics, he pledged to remain in active public life and continue raising his voice for the welfare, concerns and aspirations of the people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman