Siddaramaiah Announces He Won't Contest 2028 Karnataka Assembly Elections
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah has formally announced that he will not contest the upcoming 2028 Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah has formally announced that he will not contest the upcoming 2028 Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections. In a detailed, personal post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the veteran politician pointed to advancing age, health constraints, and declining physical energy as the key factors behind his decision to step down from active electoral politics.
Addressing his followers and the general public online, the 79-year-old leader offered an uncharacteristically personal reflection on his physical stamina and remaining time in government service. DK Shivakumar Touches Siddaramaiah's Feet, Seeks His Blessings at Breakfast Meeting As Karnataka Braces for Imminent Leadership Transition (See Pics).
Siddaramaiah Confirms Exit Ahead of 2028 Karnataka Elections
"...I will not contest in the 2028 assembly elections. I am now 79 years old. Our government's term still has one and a half years left. By then, I will be 81-82 years old. My health is not as robust as it used to be. It is no longer possible to work with the same enthusiasm as before..." Siddaramaiah posted on X.
The official social media post quickly gained widespread traction across political circles and news platforms, signaling the conclusion of an active electoral career spanning more than four decades. A cornerstone of the state's Ahinda (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) coalition, Siddaramaiah spearheaded the Congress party's return to power in the 2023 Assembly elections and previously completed a full term as Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018.
In the X post, Siddaramaiah noted that the current government still has approximately eighteen months remaining in its five-year tenure, assuring that he intends to fulfill his responsibilities for the remainder of the term. However, he emphasized that by the time the next state election arrives, he will be in his early eighties, making another high-intensity campaign impractical.
The public declaration on X has set off immediate discussions regarding the long-term political trajectory of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). While party supporters have flooded social media with messages honoring his decade-long contribution to governance, political analysts view the announcement as a clear catalyst for a leadership succession plan within the party ahead of 2028.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2026 03:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).