GBA elections likely between June 14 and 24, but doubts linger

BENGALURU: The State Election Commission has held a meeting with Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials regarding conducting of the election to the five city corporations. Election Commissioner Sangreshi has instructed GBA officials to fix a date for conducting the election and inform the commission.

The State Election Commission says it has to comply with the Supreme Court’s direction. There is an order to conduct the election by June 30, so the Election Commission has asked the GBA to fix a date between June 14 and 24 and inform them.

Ward delimitation and ward reservation have already been done. Only the election date announcement is pending. But questions are being raised whether conducting the GBA election is that easy.

The Road Ahead

Supreme Court sword hanging — deadline to conduct election by June 30.

Supreme Court has warned that the June 30 deadline will not be extended, so election is mandatory.

At the government level, there is reluctance to conduct the GBA election.

GBA is facing staff shortage and has requested the Supreme Court for more time to conduct the election.

GBA has filed a petition in the Supreme Court citing census, monsoon, school/college reopening, and staff problems.

MLAs and former corporators have approached court regarding ward reservation. They say elections must be held, but the five municipal corporations don’t even have offices.

There are no offices for the mayor, corporators’ meetings, or sessions.

There is discussion that some Bengaluru MLAs and ministers at the government level are not in favour of conducting the GBA election.