Active in politics always, but will not contest polls: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

MYSURU: Chief minister Siddaramaiah formally announced his retirement from electoral politics on Saturday, saying he won't contest the next assembly polls due in 2028.
Addressing a thanksgiving meeting at Bilegere of Nanjangud taluk near Suttur in the Varuna segment, which he currently represents in the assembly, 75-year-old Siddaramaiah said he will remain active in politics till his last breath and continue to serve people but won't contest elections.
During the filing of his nomination papers from the Varuna constituency in May, Siddaramaiah had declared that it would be his last election. However, skeptics dismissed his statement, saying that it was a move to resonate emotionally with the voters in Varuna.
Siddaramaiah, who on Saturday visited his constituency for the first time after becoming CM, also said: "It is with the blessings of the people of Varuna again that I have become CM for a second term. But the post of chief minister is by no means a position of luxury or happiness. I consider it an opportunity for me to bring about improvements in the lives of the people and serve them.”
Amidst a warm welcome from his supporters,the CM expressed his gratitude and special thanks to his son, Dr Yathindra. He said, “He not only sacrificed his own assembly seat but also worked tirelessly day and night for my victory, even more than he would for his own. I campaigned for just three days. I won with a significant margin (46,000 votes), but I couldn't surpass my son’s record (58,000 votes)."
Dubbing his victory in Varuna as historic, the CM said the victory of the Congress in this election was not the victory of DK Shivakumar and me, but a victory for the entire state. “People were tired of the BJP's governance, its corruption, price rises, and unemployment. I was sure to get more than 130 seats, though surveys indicated that we would get over 110 seats. I could predict it precisely with my 40 years’ experience in the field, and I could understand their pulse.’’
The CM took a veiled dig at PM Narendra Modi, stating, "During poll campaigns, Modi should have encouraged the Congress' propeople programmes, which aim to uplift the underprivileged. However, the BJP seems to lack the intention to support the development of the poor. Modi attempted to create confusion by asserting that Congress is incapable of implementing its guarantees and that the state would face bankruptcy if they were executed.” He further said, "Like Basavanna, who kept his word, we are fulfilling our promises. Within just 20 days of assuming power, in two cabinet meetings, we have taken decisions to implementall our assurances.”