Mysuru, May 16 (NationPress) The Karnataka government is gearing up to carry out the long-overdue elections for Bengaluru’s civic body before the end of this year, announced Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday.

Speaking to reporters at Mysuru airport, Shivakumar, who also oversees the Bengaluru Development portfolio, stated: "We will promptly initiate ward delimitation, divisions, and announce reservations. It is imperative to conduct the elections, and delaying them serves no purpose."

"Within the next four months, all essential measures will be implemented to facilitate the elections. I will convene a meeting with all party leaders to gather their insights. Additionally, I will seek input from opposition leaders regarding the division of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Everyone is aware of the situation, and they have cooperated in the Legislative Assembly by providing their inputs," he added.

"The government has constituted a Cabinet subcommittee, which produced valuable suggestions during its meetings, with approximately 90 percent of those being accepted. Moving forward, since this matter does not belong to us exclusively, all leaders will be consulted in decision-making," he remarked.

"We are committed to conducting the elections as soon as feasible."

When asked if the elections would take place this year, Shivakumar affirmed: "The elections will indeed be held this year. We are obligated to conduct them, and any delay is pointless."

On the topic of administrative changes, he mentioned: "Incorporation of new areas under the Greater Bengaluru Authority is planned. However, if we proceed with that now, it will further postpone the elections. Permissions must be acquired from the relevant panchayats and municipalities before including those areas. Therefore, we will issue the election notification based on the current framework. The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has officially been in effect since Thursday."

Addressing criticism from the Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, concerning the GBA, Shivakumar stated: "He had the chance to oppose it earlier. Ashoka had the opportunity to voice objections in the Assembly, and he was the one who facilitated the bill’s passage. Why did he present suggestions during the session if he opposed it? As an opposition leader, he is now criticizing it to retain his relevance. That’s why he is making these remarks."

"Ashoka is a representative of Bengaluru, and we will treat him with the respect he deserves," he added.

When questioned about the delay in designating Ramanagara as Bengaluru South district, Shivakumar dismissed the concerns. "There is no delay. I will make the announcement at an appropriate and auspicious time following all necessary procedures. Some attempts have been made to hinder my progress on this, but I will inform you of the final decision shortly," he said.

Regarding Operation Sindoor, he mentioned: "The nation holds more significance than any individual or political party. The party has decided and communicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that we will support all his decisions. We have also urged him to resist any foreign influence. We are now demanding an all-party meeting and a session of Parliament."

"We are requesting the BJP to clarify Operation Sindoor in Parliament. Other nations are meddling in our affairs. During former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's tenure, such interference was not tolerated. It is our right to demand a discussion in Parliament, and we are doing so appropriately," Shivakumar asserted.