Government Aims To Capitalize On Popular Schemes, Sets Sights On BBMP Elections

Capitalizing on the momentum generated by its five guarantee schemes, the Karnataka state government is diligently strategizing to conduct the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, aiming for a conclusive finish by the close of this year. Harnessing the wave of public support garnered through these comprehensive guarantee schemes, the government is poised to secure a stronghold in the corporation’s administration. As part of these preparations, the government recently released a preliminary draft outlining the re-allocation of wards, a pivotal step towards the anticipated elections. December is earmarked as the potential timeline for the elections. The delay in BBMP elections, spanning almost three years, stems from an array of factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and objections to ward redistribution. With the term of the previous elected representatives concluding on September 10, 2020, the corporation has since been overseen by appointed officials. To address this vacuum, the previous BJP government initiated ward re-allocation in pursuit of holding the elections in June 2022. A notification was issued on the 14th of June to that effect. However, the re-allocation process encountered opposition, with Congress leaders contending that the method was scientifically flawed. Consequently, the court intervened, directing the government to rectify the deficiencies in ward re-allocation. Aligning with this mandate, a new notification was circulated, advocating for ward reconstitution based on the 2011 population census. The High Court has further mandated the expeditious execution of the corporation elections. Responding to the court’s directive, the government has promptly initiated ward-wise reservation procedures. The forthcoming BBMP elections hold significance not only in determining the municipal leadership but also in gauging the public’s perception of the government’s performance, as evidenced by the popularity of the guarantee schemes.