The Karnataka government is seriously considering conducting the long-pending elections to the Zilla Panchayats and Taluk Panchayats. The polls are likely to be held by December 15, bringing an end to years of delay.
Speaking at the Congress district president’s oath-taking ceremony in Koppal, Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi indicated that the elections are expected to take place around December 15.
He also stated that the official reservation list is likely to be released within the next couple of days. The minister urged party workers to begin preparing immediately for the upcoming Gram Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat, and Zilla Panchayat elections.
Meanwhile, the reservation process required for conducting the elections has almost been completed. The issue was discussed extensively during the Congress Legislature Party meeting held last month, where suggestions made by MLAs regarding minor changes were incorporated.
The state Cabinet is expected to hold its final round of discussions on the election schedule and related procedures during its meeting on Tuesday. Once the government gives its approval, the Karnataka State Election Commission is expected to issue the official election notification.
Unlike previous elections, the upcoming Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections will be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). To facilitate the process, the state Cabinet recently granted administrative approval during its meeting in Mangaluru for the release of funds to procure the required ballot boxes.
The local body elections are expected to become a prestige battle for all major political parties. The polls will serve as a crucial test of each party’s grassroots strength and organisational network across rural Karnataka.
