Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday clarified that the use of ballot papers in local body elections is not a new development but a continuation of legislation introduced during the BJP’s tenure. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, he said the state government was simply adhering to existing laws and Election Commission by-laws.
When the BJP was in power, it introduced provisions for using ballot papers in local body elections through the GBA Act. As Deputy Chief Minister, I have only continued with that legislation. There is nothing illegal or unusual about it. The Election Commission itself allows ballot papers for such elections, and the law minister has already submitted a proposal in this regard, Shivakumar explained.
Responding to questions on other political issues, Shivakumar addressed the BJP’s criticism of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s proposal to rename the Shivajinagar metro station after St Mary’s. There is nothing wrong in submitting a proposal to rename metro stations. We will discuss the matter in detail and then take an appropriate decision, he said, indicating that the government remains open to debate on the issue.
When asked about Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara’s participation in an event organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to honor Rani Abbakka, Shivakumar said he was unaware of the development. I will gather details regarding the matter and respond accordingly, he added.
Shivakumar’s statements come amid growing political debate over the state government’s electoral and cultural decisions, with both the Congress and BJP seeking to strengthen their positions ahead of upcoming civic polls.
