'Prepare for local body polls': DK Shivakumar hints long-awaited BBMP elections

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged party members and leaders to gear up for the upcoming local body elections in the state, including long-standing Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), as they could be announced at any moment. Speaking on Sunday after welcoming former MP L R Shivarame Gowda and ex-party spokesperson and Supreme Court advocate Brijesh Kalappa back into the Congress, Shivakumar emphasized the need for immediate preparations.

Regarding the BBMP elections, he mentioned that the legislative panel reviewing the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, led by MLA Rizwan Arshad, has collected public feedback and is expected to submit its findings soon. “Polls can be declared at any time, so we must be fully prepared. I will be forming region-specific committees for local body elections, including zilla panchayats, taluk panchayats, and municipal corporations. These committees will be led by the party's working presidents and vice presidents. They will visit various regions before March to oversee coordination, seat reservations, candidate selection, and report their findings,” he added.