GBA Corporation Elections to be held as per Supreme Court order: Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar
Bengaluru, January 13
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday assured to comply with the orders of the Supreme Court to conduct pending polls to the five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority before June 30 of this year.
"As per the Supreme Court order, GBA Corporation elections will be held within the stipulated date. Necessary directions will be given to the State Election Commission in this regard," DK Shivakumar said.
The court on Monday asked the Karnataka Government and the State Election Commission to hold GBA polls by June 30, with the final ward-wise list to be out by February 20.
When asked about the Supreme Court's deadline for holding municipal elections, DK Shivakumar said, "The State Election Commission has filed an affidavit before the court, and that is a matter for them. The government will issue all kinds of orders. We need district and taluk panchayat elections. Whatever decision needs to be made as per the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution, it will take that decision."
When asked about technical objections, he said, "Some people will file objections. A committee has been formed for that, and it will make a decision. The State Election Commission will conduct the elections, and we will give them whatever direction they need to be given. There have been rumours that women have been denied a reservation. I have not noticed this. If it is wrong, they will be asked to check it and correct it. We will not interfere in anything."
Shivakumar further clarified that the government will not "seek any time" to extend the date for elections.
Karnataka Deputy CM expressed confidence that people would support the Congress.
"When asked how challenging this election is for you, you said, "What is the challenge? It is my duty to conduct elections. We are empowering the workers, preparing new leaders. I am confident that people will support the work we are doing. We will win in all five municipalities."
When asked about the possibility of BJP and JDS uniting in the election, Shivakumar said, "When asked about the friendly fight between BJP and JDS, you said, "Let them do something. Let them hold elections together or separately. If they hold the assembly and municipal elections together like they held the parliamentary elections, there will be a direct contest."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to hear the Dy CM's assurance, but actions speak louder than words. The government should have conducted these elections on time without the court having to set a deadline. The comment about women's reservation is concerning – they must ensure it's implemented correctly.
As a long-term resident, the delay in these elections has impacted local governance. Potholes, garbage, water supply – all need councillors who are accountable. Hope this election brings in capable leaders who focus on development, not just politics.
Shivakumar's confidence is typical before elections 😄 The real challenge is delivering on promises after winning. Also, his remark on BJP-JDS "friendly fight" shows the political calculations have already begun. Hope voters get good candidates to choose from.
The 73rd and 74th amendments are the soul of local democracy. It's good the Dy CM mentioned them. Empowering local bodies is the only way to solve Bengaluru's infrastructure mess. Let's see if the government truly gives power to these corporations after elections.
Setting a firm deadline (Feb 20 for ward list, June 30 for polls) is excellent. This transparency helps citizens hold authorities accountable. The technical objections committee must work efficiently to avoid further delays. Bengaluru needs a functional civic body ASAP.
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