Mandya: Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has announced retirement from electoral politics after completing his current tenure as MLA, declaring he would not contest the 2028 assembly elections.“Politics has become corrupt and the survival of clean politics untenable. As a result, it is time for me to step down and not contest,” he said, adding the situation now is such that parties have to pay people to vote.He was speaking at an event in KR Pet of Mandya district on Saturday. He followed up the announcement with a social media post where he said politics had become “too corrupt” and confirmed he was hanging up his boots.
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Siddaramaiah, who has represented several assembly constituencies in his long political career that has seen him serve as Karnataka’s chief minister twice, said he would continue to be in active politics.“I’m 79 now, and I would be 81-82 by next elections. Due to my health, I may not be able to work with the same enthusiasm as before,” he said, adding he would have completed 50 years in politics by 2028 and have seen ups and downs in his career.Supporters at the event urged the veteran Congress leader to continue in active politics, praising his leadership and contributions to the state. But Siddaramaiah stood firm on his decision. The former CM acknowledged the affection and confidence reposed in him by party workers.Siddaramaiah was elected to the assembly from Chamundeshwari segment five times, from Varuna segment twice (both in Mysuru) and once from Badami segment in Bagalkot district.
