Karnataka to Hold Local Body Elections by December 31 After Court Ruling

In a significant development, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has assured that urban local body elections across the state will be conducted by December 31, adhering to the Supreme Court's extended deadline. The assurance comes after the top court granted the state additional time to complete the polls, which were initially slated for August 31.

Electoral Roll Revision Delayed Polls

The delay in conducting the elections was attributed to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka. Shivakumar explained that the revision process had posed logistical challenges, as thousands of officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and other local bodies were engaged in the exercise. This included 8,872 booth-level officers, 938 supervisors, and numerous other personnel, making it difficult to organize the polls on the earlier timeline.

The Supreme Court had initially set an August 31 deadline for the elections, but the state government sought an extension, citing the SIR process. The court granted the extension, emphasizing that elections for all five municipal corporations must be held by the end of December.

Broader Electoral Commitments

Shivakumar has committed to not only completing the Greater Bengaluru Authority elections but also ensuring that zilla panchayat, taluk panchayat, and municipal elections are conducted within the new timeline. “I will see that all the elections are completed by December,” he stated, signaling the administration's intent to meet the court's directive without further delays.

Cabinet Expansion Discussions Underway

Separately, Shivakumar addressed the issue of cabinet expansion during his visit to Delhi. He revealed that discussions had taken place with senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, and that suggestions from the party high command would guide the expansion process. “We will carry out the expansion based on their directions,” Shivakumar said. The move is seen as part of broader governance reforms in the state.

This commitment to timely elections and cabinet expansion reflects the Karnataka government's efforts to balance administrative priorities while adhering to judicial mandates.

Source: Indian Express