Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Siddaramaiah on 25 July 2026 declared that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, signalling a definitive step back from electoral politics after nearly five decades in public life. The announcement, made at a birthday event in K.R. Pet town, Mandya district, was later reaffirmed by Siddaramaiah on social media platform X.

What Siddaramaiah Said

Speaking before a gathering of supporters, the 79-year-old Congress veteran offered a candid assessment of the state of Indian democracy. "Politics has become highly polluted. Honest politics is struggling to survive. It is in this backdrop that I have decided not to contest any future elections," he said.

He added that by the time the 2028 Assembly elections are held, he would be approximately 82 years old and may not have the same energy or health to sustain an active campaign. "By 2028, I will complete 50 years in public life. I began my political journey in 1978 as a Taluk Board member. I have witnessed both victory and defeat, but I have never acted against the principles I believed in or betrayed my conscience," he said.

On Changing Nature of Electoral Politics

Siddaramaiah pointed to the rising cost of elections as a key factor behind his decision, noting that the financial dynamics of campaigning had shifted dramatically over the decades. "Earlier, when we contested elections, people in the constituency would contribute financially and help us win. Today, the situation is entirely different," he said.

He noted that constituents from Varuna Assembly constituency had urged him to contest once more, but he remained firm. Despite stepping away from elections, he said he would continue to be a voice in public life. "I will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections. However, I will remain active in politics and continue to be a voice for the joys and hardships of the people," he said.

A Pattern of Retirement Announcements

Notably, this is not Siddaramaiah's first declaration of electoral retirement. When he assumed office as Chief Minister for the first time in May 2013, he told reporters it would be his last election. Ahead of the 2018 Assembly elections, before contesting from Chamundeshwari and Badami constituencies, he again said the contest would likely be his final one. In April 2024, speaking in Mysuru, he reiterated: "I am now 77 years old. By the time this term ends, I will be 81 or 82. At that age, my health may not permit me to work with the same enthusiasm. Therefore, I will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections."

The recurrence of these declarations has led supporters and political observers to treat them with some caution, even as the latest remarks carry added weight given his recent resignation from the Chief Minister's post.

Siddaramaiah's Political Legacy

Siddaramaiah served as Karnataka's Chief Minister for two terms, accumulating more than eight years in office — making him the longest-serving Chief Minister in the state's history. His first term ran from 13 May 2013 to 15 May 2018, completing a full five-year tenure. His second term lasted from 20 May 2023 until 3 June 2026, when he resigned from the post.

Despite his announcement, supporters at the K.R. Pet event urged him to remain active in electoral politics for at least another 10 years. Siddaramaiah acknowledged their affection but held his ground. "The people of Karnataka have treated me as one among them over the past five decades. My remaining years will continue to be dedicated to public service," he said. A video of his remarks has since circulated widely on social media.