'Won't Contest 2028 Assembly Polls': Ex-Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Cites Age, Health, 'Corrupted' Politics

New Delhi: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Sunday announced that he won't be contesting in the 2028 state assembly elections but will continue to raise voice for people's hardships. The major political development comes months after he stepped down as the state's CM. 

What did Siddaramaiah say?

While speaking at a public event in Mandya district, Siddaramaiah clearly stated that he will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections. 

"Since the political field has become corrupted today, I will not contest in the 2028 assembly elections. However, remaining active in politics, I will continue to stand as a voice for the people’s hardships and joys," the senior Congress leader said.

ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ಇಂದು ಕಲುಷಿತಗೊಂಡಿರುವುದರಿಂದ 2028ರ ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾ ಚುನಾವಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ಸ್ಪರ್ಧಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಆದರೆ, ಸಕ್ರಿಯ ರಾಜಕಾರಣದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದು, ಜನರ ಕಷ್ಟ, ಸುಖಗಳಿಗೆ ಧ್ವನಿಯಾಗಿ ನಿಲ್ಲುತ್ತೇನೆ.

ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಚುನಾವಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧಿಸುವಂತೆ ವರುಣ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಜನರು ಒತ್ತಾಯಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಆದರೆ ನಾನು ಇನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆ ಯಾವುದೇ… pic.twitter.com/v0S4tCQ30o

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 26, 2026

What is the reason behind the decision?

Taking to X, said that advancing age, declining health and the deteriorating nature of politics were the key reasons behind his decision.

"I am now 79 years old. By then, I will be 81-82 years old. My health is not as robust as it used to be," he said.

"Since the political field has become corrupted today, I will not contest in the 2028 assembly elections. However, I am remaining active in politics," he added

The Congress leader also revealed that the people from his Varuna constituency are pressing him against contesting the next Assembly election, however, he said he had made up his mind not to enter the electoral fray again.

When did Siddaramaiah resign?

On May 28, Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor's Special Secretary at the direction of the Congress high command. This resignation was submitted as part of a leadership change decision, which Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot accepted the following day, on May 29. His resignation paved the way for D.K. Shivakumar to become Chief Minister.