Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the Karnataka government has started preparations for long-delayed local body elections, aiming to complete them by the end of June. The elections, pending for two to three years due to disputes over reservations and delimitation, will cover thousands of panchayats and urban bodies. The decision to use ballot papers instead of electronic machines has sparked debate within the ruling Congress party.
In Karwar, Uttara Kannada district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah informed reporters that the administrative groundwork for local body elections is underway. "Various processes are being carried out to conduct local body elections, and wards need to be divided," he stated, highlighting the need for constituency restructuring.
The elections to zilla panchayats and taluk panchayats have been delayed for nearly two to three years, mainly due to disputes over reservation quotas and delimitation of constituencies, which led to court cases. Siddaramaiah noted that most hurdles are close to resolution, with the reservation finalisation process ongoing. The government plans to announce the election schedule once procedural requirements are met, and the polls are expected by June.
This delay has faced criticism, as the current government, in office since 2023, has not held these elections. The tenure of 195 urban local bodies has ended without fresh polls, affecting grassroots governance.
The elections will encompass 5,952 gram panchayats, 239 taluk panchayats, 31 zilla panchayats, and five city corporations, marking a significant electoral exercise.
A notable aspect is the use of ballot papers for zilla and taluk panchayat elections instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs), following a cabinet resolution in September 2025 citing lack of trust in EVMs. Rural development and panchayat raj minister Priyank Kharge said the government is preparing the Karnataka Gram Swaraj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to provide legal backing, to be tabled in the budget session starting March 6.
However, this decision has triggered debate within the Congress. Former Bengaluru Rural MP D. K. Suresh questioned it, saying, "I don’t think it’s necessary. We’d stopped ballot papers. We’ve taken a step forward. The party high command has to decide if taking a step back is right or wrong."
