Cannot work with enthusiasm: Siddaramaiah hints at retirement

 In a significant development in the state’s political scenario, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that he will “refrain” from contesting any future elections due to advancing age and health issues.“I am 77 years old. There is still four years’ time (as CM and MLA). When my term ends, I will be 81 or 82 … I won’t have the health and cannot work with enthusiasm..,” he said.The CM made this announcement during an interaction with the media here. Having been in electoral politics since 1978, Siddaramaiah acknowledged that his retirement would mark 50 years of service in the field.His decision comes amid speculation over leadership changes within the ruling Congress in Karnataka.Deputy Chief Minister and state Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar has already openly expressed his Chief Ministerial ambitions, particularly seeking support from the Vokkaliga community.The race between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the Chief Minister’s post surfaced after the Assembly election results in May last year.Though Shivakumar was appointed Deputy Chief Minister, rumors of a “rotational Chief Minister formula” have been circulating, hinting at potential power-sharing agreements within the party.As Siddaramaiah exits electoral politics, the state’s political arena may undergo further shifts and negotiations in the coming months, particularly regarding leadership transitions within the Congress party and their implications on governance and party dynamics in Karnataka.