Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Tuesday that he will not be contesting any future elections, citing advancing age and health concerns. Speaking to the media in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah responded to demands from constituents in the Varuna Assembly segment urging him to contest MLA elections again. He emphasized his age of 77 and expressed doubts about his ability to maintain health and enthusiasm for work beyond his current term, which will end when he is 81 or 82 years old.
Reflecting on his extensive political career that began in 1978, Siddaramaiah acknowledged that he would have completed 50 years in electoral politics upon retirement. This announcement echoes similar statements made by Siddaramaiah in the past, including declarations after his election as chief minister in 2013 and 2018, as well as during a rally near Mysuru after his second term began in 2023.
In addition to his retirement plans, Siddaramaiah took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was visiting Karnataka at the time. He criticized Shah’s response to drought relief efforts, questioning the morality of seeking votes when failing to adequately address the state’s needs during droughts.
