I don't want to contest polls after 70, says Siddaramaiah

BANGALORE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said he does not want to contest elections after attaining the age of 70.

"After five years, I will be 70 years old. I do not want to contest elections after 70 years of age," he told reporters here.

Siddaramaiah, however, added he would continue to be in public life and politics beyond the age of 70.

In a remarkable turnaround of political fortunes, Siddaramaiah, essentially a Janata Parivar man, had fulfilled his long-term ambition of becoming Chief Minister on May 13 when he was sworn in for the coveted post at the head of a Congress government.

He had twice come within the striking distance of the Chief Minister's post earlier but narrowly missed it during his Janata Parivar days. Unapologetic and never hiding his desire, he at last realised it after the splendid May five Assembly polls victory of the Congress which he joined seven years ago.