Elections to local bodies may be held anytime: DKS

D. K. Shivakumar urges Congress party to prepare for upcoming local body elections in Karnataka, indicating imminent polls.

Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief D. K. Shivakumar, on Sunday, asked the Congress party cadre and leaders to be ready for local body elections in the state, which he said could be held anytime soon.

“There are indications that the court ruling on local body election could be soon. Elections could be held anytime. We have to be ready,” he said speaking at the KPCC office, indicating the long-delayed civic polls in Bengaluru and other cities. Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections may be held soon.

This statement by Mr. Shivakumar comes amidst rekindled hopes that civic polls may be held in the city later this year. The Hindu had reported on the same on February 5, earlier this month.

Another senior city minister Ramalinga Reddy had told The Hindu that civic polls may be held between June and August this year.

The Joint Legislature Committee examining the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024 also held five public consultation meetings this week and is expected to submit its report by the end of this month. The Bill may be tabled in the upcoming budget session of the Karnataka Legislature, sources said.

It can be recalled that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Council completed its terms in September, 2020 and ever since then is under administrator’s rule.

Mr. Shivakumar also said that KPCC will soon form region-wise committees led by working presidents. “This committee will travel before March and achieve coordination. It has to submit a report identifying 50% women candidates,” he said.