All body elections may be held simultaneously in Karnataka, will votes be cast through ballot paper after 30 years?

News Topical, Digital Desk : The Karnataka government is considering holding all local body elections simultaneously, including those in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar issued a statement on the matter on Monday.

He stated that the government is fully committed to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which will empower youth and the next generation to gain leadership at the local level. This decision is being seen as an important step towards concluding the long-pending local elections simultaneously.

Bengaluru has 369 wards across five municipal corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The draft voter list for these elections was released on Monday.

What is the government's intention?

Shivakumar clarified that the decision to hold district and taluk panchayat elections has been made. The Chief Minister and ministers have stated that reservation issues will be resolved.

He said, "Many people have suggested that Gram Panchayat elections should also be held on party symbols, but no final decision has been taken on this yet. The idea of ​​holding all the elections together is under consideration."

Voting with ballot paper?

When asked about the use of ballot papers instead of EVMs in local body elections, Shivakumar said he had received information about it, but the matter fell under the purview of the State Election Commission.

He stressed, "There is no harm in using ballot paper. Voting is more important than the method of election."

Shivakumar clarified that the government will not interfere in the functioning of the Election Commission. The State Election Commission is not under government control and will make its own decisions.

Lack of trust in the Centre?

After the draft voter list was released, Shivakumar said that any voter whose name was left out should be given a second chance. Their rights will be ensured.

He said that arrangements for booth-level agents (BLAs) have already been made. He said, "We will not interfere with the work of the officials. The Election Commission will work within the existing legal framework."

When asked whether the use of ballot paper was due to lack of trust in the Central Election Commission, Shivakumar said, "Who conducts the elections? The Election Commission does it. The State Election Commission is not under our government. It will decide for itself what to do."

BJP takes a jibe at Davos trip cancellation

BJP leaders accused him of cancelling his Davos trip for political reasons. Shivakumar jokingly said, "There's some truth to what they say. I won't say anything wrong. Ask this question again tomorrow morning."

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