The poll panel of the newly constituted Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has issued a decisive directive, setting a tight deadline of 110 days for the finalization of the electoral roll for the city. This move is a critical step towards conducting long-overdue civic body elections for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
The 110-Day Countdown Begins
In a meeting held on Thursday, the GBA poll panel, chaired by BBMP Administrator Rakesh Singh, laid down a clear and ambitious timeline. The panel has instructed officials to complete the entire process of finalizing the electoral roll within 110 days from the start of the exercise. This comprehensive process includes the crucial stages of draft publication, claims and objections, and the eventual final publication of the list.
The directive comes after the state government's recent notification expanding the BBMP's jurisdictional area from 800 square kilometers to 1,400 square kilometers. This massive expansion has added numerous new villages and wards, making the task of preparing an accurate voter list both complex and urgent. The panel emphasized that the final electoral roll must accurately reflect this new, larger Bengaluru.
Key Dates and Administrative Directives
The poll panel has not just set a final deadline but has also outlined a structured schedule for officials to follow. While the exact start date for the 110-day period is to be confirmed, the panel has mandated that the draft electoral roll be published first. Following this publication, a dedicated period will be provided for citizens to file claims and objections regarding inclusions, deletions, or corrections.
To ensure efficiency and accountability, the panel has delegated significant powers. It has authorized the BBMP Chief Commissioner to appoint Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) who will be responsible for managing the roll preparation at the ground level. Furthermore, the panel has empowered the BBMP Administrator to make necessary amendments to the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (Preparation and Revision of Electoral Rolls) Rules, 1995, to facilitate this accelerated process.
Implications for Bengaluru's Political Future
The setting of this 110-day deadline is a major development with far-reaching consequences. The BBMP has been without an elected council for an extended period, currently being run by an administrator. The finalization of the electoral roll is the most significant procedural hurdle before elections can be announced.
This push for a finalized voter list directly paves the way for the much-anticipated BBMP elections. Once the roll is published, the State Election Commission can proceed with scheduling the polls, which would restore democratic governance to India's tech capital. The expanded jurisdiction means the upcoming elections will be the largest in the city's history, encompassing many new areas and voters.
The tight timeline also presents a formidable challenge for the civic administration. Officials must undertake a massive data collection and verification drive across the new areas, ensure no existing voter is disenfranchised, and manage the claims and objections process seamlessly—all within the stipulated 110 days. The success of this mission will determine how soon Bengaluru can have its elected civic representatives.
