Bengaluru: Contrary to its earlier assurance of conducting long-pending civic polls by June-end, the Karnataka government has sought a three-month extension from the Karnataka State Election Commission (SEC), indicating a possible delay in elections to the city’s urban local body.
In a communication dated April 15, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) cited multiple administrative constraints, including ongoing census-related activities and electoral roll revisions, as reasons for seeking additional time.
Administrative workload cited as key reason
The letter, signed by DPAR secretary K G Jagadeesha and approved by Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, was based on a request from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).
GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao had earlier informed the government that officials are heavily engaged in National Census-related work, including house listing, supervision and logistical arrangements.
He noted that the same personnel would also be required for the proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, leaving limited manpower and time to prepare for the civic elections.
Overlapping duties add to constraints
Officials further pointed out that a significant number of government staff will be deployed for examination-related duties during May and June, adding to the strain on available resources.
“With multiple responsibilities assigned to the same set of officers, it becomes difficult to ensure proper arrangements for conducting elections within the previously announced timeline,” the communication stated.
The government has argued that the extension would help ensure smoother planning and execution of the electoral process, rather than rushing preparations.
Delay likely pending SEC decision
The request has been formally addressed to S Honamba, secretary of the Karnataka State Election Commission. A final decision on the extension is now awaited from the SEC.
Sources indicate that the move could further delay civic polls in Bengaluru, which have already been pending since September 2020.
Supreme Court approval may be required
The matter also carries legal implications. The SEC had earlier assured the Supreme Court of India that the elections would be conducted by the end of June this year.
Any change in the schedule may require the commission to file a fresh affidavit before the apex court seeking approval for extending the deadline.
SEC Commissioner G S Sangreshi was not available for comment on the development.
Conclusion
The state government’s request for a three-month extension signals further delay in Bengaluru’s long-awaited civic polls. While administrative challenges have been cited as the primary reason, the final decision now rests with the State Election Commission and, potentially, the Supreme Court. The outcome will determine when the city’s electoral process can finally move forward after years of postponement.