Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections, citing his advancing age, declining health and reduced physical stamina.
In a detailed post shared on his official X account, the 79-year-old leader said he would continue to discharge his responsibilities until the end of the current government’s tenure but believes it would not be practical to seek another electoral mandate in his eighties.
Veteran leader cites age and health
Making the announcement through social media, Siddaramaiah said he had carefully considered his age and health before deciding not to contest the next Assembly election.
He noted that he is currently 79 years old and that the present Congress government still has around one-and-a-half years remaining in its term.
According to Siddaramaiah, by the time the 2028 Assembly elections are held, he will be 81 or 82 years old, making it difficult to maintain the level of energy and commitment required for active electoral politics.
He acknowledged that his health is no longer as robust as it was in earlier years and that he is unable to work with the same enthusiasm as before.
Will complete current term
Despite his decision not to contest again, Siddaramaiah made it clear that he intends to continue serving until the completion of the current government’s tenure.
He assured the public that he would fulfil his responsibilities as long as he remains in office and continue working for the people during the remaining period of the government’s term.
The announcement signals his intention to retire from electoral politics after a career spanning more than four decades.
Long political career
Siddaramaiah has been one of Karnataka’s most influential political leaders and is widely regarded as the architect of the Congress party’s AHINDA social coalition, representing minorities, backward classes and Dalits.
He served as Karnataka’s Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018, becoming the first Congress Chief Minister in the State to complete a full five-year term in several decades.
He later led the Congress campaign in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, which resulted in the party returning to power.
Throughout his political career, Siddaramaiah has held several important positions in the State government and has remained a central figure in Karnataka politics.
Succession debate gains momentum
The announcement has triggered discussions within political circles regarding the future leadership of the Karnataka Congress.
Political observers believe Siddaramaiah’s decision could accelerate succession planning within the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Supporters of the Congress leader have taken to social media to acknowledge his contribution to governance and public life, while analysts view the announcement as an important milestone in the party’s transition towards a new generation of leadership.
However, the Congress has not made any official announcement regarding future leadership arrangements or the party’s strategy for the next Assembly election.
Significant moment in Karnataka politics
Siddaramaiah’s decision marks a significant development in Karnataka’s political landscape.
As one of the State’s longest-serving and most prominent leaders, his announcement is expected to influence political discussions in the coming years as parties prepare for the next electoral cycle.
While stepping away from electoral contests after the current term, Siddaramaiah has indicated that he will continue to fulfil his duties until the government’s tenure concludes, bringing an end to an electoral journey that has shaped Karnataka politics for decades.