Bengaluru Civic Polls Heat Up as Major Parties Intensify Preparations
With elections to the five newly formed corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) anticipated between May and June, all three major political parties—Congress, BJP, and JD(S)—have launched extensive preparations, setting the stage for a fiercely contested political battle. This electoral process marks a significant expansion in the city's civic structure, with voters set to elect corporators to 369 wards, a substantial increase from the previous 198 wards, spanning across 28 assembly constituencies.
Expanded Civic Structure Opens Political Opportunities
The enlarged civic framework presents city MLAs with a prime opportunity to consolidate their political bases by building robust networks for corporators, who are viewed as crucial assets for the forthcoming assembly elections. "These polls will present legislators like me both opportunities and challenges," remarked Arshad Rizwan, Shivajinagar MLA from Congress. "The challenge is to win a majority for our party, so candidates should be selected carefully based on reservation pattern and winnability. As per the reservation policy, 50% will be women. It is an opportunity for youngsters since it offers an ideal launchpad into electoral politics."
Congress Takes Early Initiative with Candidate Applications
Congress has taken an early lead by inviting applications from aspiring candidates, receiving a total of 943 applications by the February 7 deadline. The party charged general category aspirants Rs 50,000 as an application fee, while women and Dalit candidates were required to pay Rs 25,000. Senior functionaries indicate that the next steps involve scrutinizing these applications and preparing a preliminary list for each ward. "While the preliminary list may have three or four potential candidates for a ward, a shortlist will be prepared based on the reservation pattern which is yet to be announced," explained Abdul Wajid, vice-president of Congress' Bengaluru city unit (north). "The screening committee will finalise candidates after polls are announced."
Reservation Process and Electoral Roll Updates Underway
The process of finalizing ward reservations is currently in progress, with a panel examining public objections to the draft notification issued on January 8. Sources reveal that the panel received 2,400 objections before the window closed on January 23, and a final notification is expected on February 20. Concurrently, the Karnataka State Election Commission is processing objections to the draft electoral rolls published on January 19, with final rolls due on March 31. Elections are projected to be held approximately 45 days after this date.
BJP and JD(S) Mobilize for Coordinated Efforts
As the principal opposition, the BJP has also initiated preparations, even as details of its alliance with JD(S) remain to be finalized. Senior functionaries Ram Madhav and Satish Upadhyaya have been assigned to coordinate these efforts, meeting with city MLAs and MPs on Saturday. Further meetings are scheduled for February 28 and March 1, separately for each of the five corporations. Meanwhile, JD(S) has convened a meeting on February 14, with Union minister and party state president HD Kumaraswamy set to review poll preparations. "A decision on an alliance and strategy will be decided by brass of the two parties. As city MLAs, our job is to rope in suitable candidates and ensure their victory," stated CN Ashwathnarayan, a senior BJP MLA.
This intense political maneuvering underscores the high stakes involved in the upcoming Bengaluru civic polls, which are poised to significantly influence the city's governance and set the tone for future electoral contests.
