Bangalore, 26 July (H.S.)

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, saying that electoral politics has become increasingly corrupted and that advancing age and health considerations have influenced his decision.

Speaking at a private event held on Saturday in K.R. Pet in Mandya district, Siddaramaiah said he would continue to remain active in public life and politics, even though he would stay away from electoral contests.

Since the political field has become corrupted today, I will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections. However, I will continue to remain active in politics and raise my voice for the hardships and aspirations of the people, he said.

The veteran Congress leader noted that people of the Varuna Assembly constituency had once again urged him to contest the next election, but he had decided not to seek any elected office in the future.

Recalling his earlier electoral campaigns, Siddaramaiah said there was a time when voters voluntarily supported candidates, both morally and financially. Today, that situation no longer exists. The time has come when candidates are expected to distribute money to voters. Politics has become thoroughly corrupted, leaving little space for honest public life, he remarked.

The former Chief Minister also cited his age and health as important reasons behind his decision. I am now 79 years old. Our government's term has another one-and-a-half years remaining. By then, I will be around 81 or 82. My health is not as strong as it once was, and I can no longer work with the same energy and enthusiasm, he said.

Siddaramaiah reflected on his five-decade-long political journey, stating that by 2028 he would have completed 50 years in public life. He began his political career in 1978 as a Taluk Board member and has since experienced both victories and defeats.

I am satisfied that I have never acted against the principles I believed in or betrayed my conscience, he said.

Expressing gratitude to the people of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said the affection and trust shown towards him over the past five decades remained a lifelong debt.

My future life, too, will be dedicated to public service, he added.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Rakesh Mahadevappa