Eshwarappa warned that without action, Rashtrakhand Balagha led by K.E. Kantesh may seek court intervention, citing rising corruption, stalled development, and lack of city administration accountability
SHIVAMOGGA
Former Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa on Friday urged the state government to immediately hold elections for the Shivamogga Municipal Corporation, saying the city has gone two years without elected representatives.
Speaking at a press conference, he said the delay violates democratic principles and Supreme Court directives. “When the State Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi visited Shivamogga in May 2025, a delegation requested elections. The commissioner confirmed the voter list revision was complete but is still waiting for the government’s ward reservation list. Yet, the list has not been released,” he said.
Eshwarappa warned that without action, the Rashtrakhand Balagha, led by K.E. Kantesh, would approach the court to ensure elections are conducted immediately. He added that city administration is suffering from a lack of accountability, corruption is rising, and development work is stalled.
He also criticised the government for failing to release promised funds. “Minister Bhairathi Suresh said 200 crores would be allocated to the corporation, but nothing has arrived. Minister Jamir’s promised 12 crores for shelter facilities has not been delivered. The government’s inaction leaves people frustrated and distrustful of both the Election Commission and Lokayukta,” he said.
The former minister demanded that the state release the ward reservation list without further delay and the Election Commission issue a notification to hold elections in line with the court’s direction.
Prominent figures at the press conference included K.E. Kantesh, Vishwas, Mohan Jadhav, Kuberappa, Govinda, Shankar Naik, and Lokesh. Eshwarappa emphasised that prompt elections are essential to restore democracy and ensure proper development in Shivamogga.