Bengaluru, Jan 19 (NationPress) The government of Karnataka is exploring the possibility of conducting all local body elections, which includes the civic polls for Bengaluru, simultaneously.

On Monday, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar shared these insights.

Regarding the GBA elections, the draft voters' list was unveiled on Monday.

When questioned about the timing of the municipal elections, Shivakumar remarked: "The court has issued its directives. Our government is dedicated to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. It's essential to empower the youth and usher in a new generation of leaders."

Currently, 369 wards have been established across five municipal corporations in Bengaluru.

There are also discussions about expanding municipal limits to include the outskirts of Bengaluru.

Shivakumar stated, "Our government has resolved to conduct elections for district and taluk panchayats. The Chief Minister and ministers have confirmed that issues concerning reservations for these elections will be addressed. While many have proposed that gram panchayat elections should also occur under party symbols, no decision has been finalized yet. We are contemplating holding all these elections simultaneously."

On the topic of using ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines for local body elections, he stated: "I have received information regarding this. It falls under the jurisdiction of the State Election Commission. Using ballot papers is not an issue. What truly matters is that voting occurs."

"The draft voters' list has been published, and we have coordinated with booth-level agents (BLAs). If any voter's name is missing from the list, they must be given another chance, and their rights must be protected. We will not interfere with the officials' duties. The Election Commission will operate within the existing legal framework,” Shivakumar added.

When asked if the use of ballot papers indicated a lack of confidence in the Central Election Commission, he replied, “We aren't the ones conducting elections. The Election Commission is responsible for that. The State Election Commission operates independently of our government and will determine the necessary actions on its own.”

In response to criticisms from BJP leaders regarding his cancellation of a trip to Davos for political reasons, he acknowledged, “There is some truth in what they are saying. I won’t deny that. Please ask this question again tomorrow morning.”