NewKerala.com

Karnataka Plans Simultaneous Local Body Polls, Shivakumar Confirms

The Karnataka government is considering holding all local body elections simultaneously, according to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He stated the government is committed to the constitutional amendments empowering local governance and bringing in new youth leadership. Discussions are also underway about expanding Bengaluru's municipal limits and using ballot papers for these polls, a decision that rests with the State Election Commission. Shivakumar emphasized the government will not interfere with election officials and that ensuring voter inclusion is paramount.

Key Points: Karnataka May Hold All Local Body Elections Together

  • Simultaneous local body polls considered
  • Draft voters' list released
  • Ballot paper use possible
  • Reservation issues to be resolved
  • Leadership for youth emphasized
3 min read

Karnataka mulls holding all local body polls at one go: Dy CM Shivakumar

Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar says Karnataka govt is considering conducting all local body polls, including Bengaluru civic elections, at one go.

"There is a consideration to hold all these elections at one go. - D.K. Shivakumar"

Bengaluru, Jan 19

The Karnataka government has said it is considering conducting all local body elections, including the civic polls in Bengaluru, at one go.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar made the statement here on Monday.

With regard to the GBA elections, the draft voters' list was released on Monday.

Asked about when the municipal elections might be held, Shivakumar said: "The court has issued its directions. Our government is committed to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. Power must be given to the youth and a new generation must come into leadership."

At present, 369 wards have been created from five municipal corporations in Bengaluru.

Discussions are also underway on bringing the outskirts of Bengaluru under municipal limits.

"Our government has decided to conduct district and taluk panchayat elections. The Chief Minister and ministers have stated that the reservation-related issues connected to these elections will be resolved. Many have suggested that gram panchayat elections should also be held on party symbols, but no decision has been taken on that yet. There is a consideration to hold all these elections at one go," Shivakumar stated.

Asked about the use of ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines in these local body elections, he said: "I have also received information in this regard. This is a matter that comes under the State Election Commission. There is nothing wrong in using ballot papers. More important than the mode of election is that voting takes place."

"The draft voters' list has now been released and we have already made arrangements with booth-level agents (BLAs). If the name of any voter has been left out of the list, they must be given another opportunity and their right must be ensured. We will not interfere in the functioning of officials. The Election Commission will function within the existing legal framework," Shivakumar said.

When asked whether ballot papers were being used due to a lack of confidence in the Central Election Commission, he said, "Who are we to conduct elections? Elections are conducted by the Election Commission. The State Election Commission does not come under the control of our government. It will decide what needs to be done on its own."

When asked about BJP leaders criticising him for cancelling his Davos trip for political reasons, he said, "There is some merit in what they are saying. I will not say it is wrong. Ask this question again tomorrow morning."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Bringing the outskirts under municipal limits is long overdue. The infrastructure gap between core Bengaluru and these areas is huge. This could be a game-changer for better planning and resource allocation. 🤞
V
Vikram M
Ballot papers? Seriously? We are going backwards while the world is moving towards more secure and efficient digital systems. EVMs have their issues, but reverting to paper is not the solution. This seems more like a political move than a practical one.
A
Anjali F
Good that they are ensuring no voter is left out of the list. Booth-level agents are crucial for this. Local elections are where our vote has the most direct impact. Hope the process is smooth and fair.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the discussion on gram panchayat elections with party symbols. While it might bring more structure, it could also destroy the non-partisan, community-driven spirit of village governance. A careful decision is needed.
K
Karthik V
"Ask this question again tomorrow morning" – typical political answer! 😄 On a serious note, resolving reservation issues before elections is critical to avoid post-poll litigation and instability. They must get that right.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50