Siddaramaiah Steps Back from the 2028 Karnataka Assembly Race, Yet Vows to Keep Serving the People

In a candid talk with a small audience in Mandya on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah — the 79‑year‑old former chief minister of Karnataka — made it clear that he will not be a candidate in the state’s 2028 Assembly elections. He said the decision was driven by a mix of personal factors, like his advancing age and a less‑robust health, and a deeper, more philosophical worry about the state of politics today.

“The political environment has become polluted with corruption,” he said, pausing briefly before adding, “and for that reason I have decided not to contest the 2028 polls.” Yet he was quick to reassure his listeners that he is far from retiring. “I will continue my association with politics, supporting people and speaking up for their concerns and well‑being,” Siddaramaiah promised.

His remarks came amid gentle pressure from leaders and supporters in his home constituency of Varuna, who have repeatedly urged him to stand again. He acknowledged their pleas, but reiterated that his mind was already made up. “People are asking me to contest once more, but I have decided otherwise,” he said, smiling wryly.

When pressed about the timing, the veteran congressman gave a straightforward answer: by the time the current government’s term ends, he will be around 81‑82 years old. “My health is not as robust as it used to be,” he confessed. “It is no longer possible to work with the same enthusiasm as before.” The comment felt almost like a gentle self‑eulogy — a nod to the fact that even the most seasoned politicians have limits.

Reflecting on his half‑century in public life, Siddaramaiah traced his journey back to 1978, when he first entered the political arena as a taluk board member. “I have seen both defeats and victories. What matters to me is that I have never acted against the principles I believed in, nor betrayed my conscience,” he said, his voice softening with a mixture of pride and melancholy.

Perhaps the most striking part of his speech was the candid critique of contemporary electoral politics. “If we contest elections now, we have to give money to the people,” he observed. “Politics today is thoroughly corrupted. Honest politics seems to have no leg to stand on.” In that moment, Siddaramaiah painted a bleak picture of a system where money talks louder than ideas, a reality that apparently pushed him to step back from the electoral fray.

Despite this withdrawal, he made it clear that he will not disappear from the public eye. “The love and trust shown by the people over the last 50 years have left me deeply indebted,” he wrote in a later post. “I will continue serving them for the rest of my life.” In other words, while he may not be on the ballot, he plans to stay a vocal advocate for Karnataka’s citizens.

The announcement comes just two months after Siddaramaiah handed over the chief minister’s baton to his deputy, DK Shivakumar, and with the next Assembly election looming in less than two years. It adds another layer to the political chessboard in the state, where the Congress is trying to regroup and present a fresh face while still leaning on seasoned veterans for guidance.

For now, the 79‑year‑old leader’s next chapter appears to be one of mentorship, behind‑the‑scenes activism, and perhaps a few more heartfelt speeches in his beloved Mandya district. Whatever form it takes, Siddaramaiah’s promise to stay engaged signals that the fight for a cleaner, more people‑focused Karnataka is far from over.