BBMP elections likely in May or June

BENGALURU: The debate over holding the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) election has once again come to the forefront. This time, there seem to be intense discussions at the government level about holding the BBMP elections in May or June this year.

Cabinet ministers have even hinted about holding the BBMP council election soon. The term of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) ended five years ago, but the elections have not been held yet.

Initially, it was said that the elections would be held after the Assembly elections, then after the Lok Sabha elections. Now, the question is whether the elections will be held this year. The government is currently thinking about holding the elections and a decision is expected to be made in the budget.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has stated that the Greater Bengaluru Governance Committee is preparing a report on how many municipalities will be formed and which villages will be merged.

Bengaluru ministers and MLAs will provide their suggestions at a meeting before arriving at a decision. However, there is still a case pending in the Supreme Court, which will also be discussed.

The government will consider the Supreme Court’s guidelines and take a suitable decision on the elections. Citizens have to wait until May to know about the BBMP election, the minister noted.

“The BBMP election was delayed by almost 4 year and 5 months. The committee members had nine to ten meetings. The amendments can be introduced in the upcoming state budget session, and the final decision depends on the Deputy CM who is in charge of Bengaluru development. The major topics include the term of mayor, duration of standing committees, delegation of powers and forming of a separate corporation. We are waiting for the Supreme Court’s verdict on this”, Reddy said.