In the lead-up to the Bengaluru civic polls, D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister, has dismissed threats from the BJP and JDS. As the Congress party prepares for the upcoming elections, Shivakumar has urged party workers to gear up for the civic polls. He stated that the delimitation of wards would be notified by November 1, and the reservation matrix by November 30, leaving the scheduling of elections to the State Election Commission. While the state government has committed to holding civic polls by the end of the year, sources suggest elections are more likely to occur in early 2026.
The BJP and JDS have launched campaigns against the ruling Congress, accusing them of inaction in Bengaluru's development. A senior BJP leader claimed that the Congress government's projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore have not yet materialized, and there is confusion regarding the multiple corporations set up. The JDS has also begun targeting Congress in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, the Congress has formed a committee of MLAs, MLCs, and defeated candidates to prepare for the civic polls, assigning a minister to oversee each of the five corporations in the city. Initiatives such as cleanliness drives, stormwater drain clearances, and footpath improvements are underway. Shivakumar has emphasized filling potholes and finding long-term solutions. The government has also launched initiatives like e-Khata, exemption of occupancy certificates, and the conversion of B-khata lands into A-khata, with the elections in mind.
The political landscape in Bengaluru is heating up as parties prepare for the civic polls, which will take place after a five-year gap. The Supreme Court has directed the state government to conduct the polls by June 30. The Congress has already called for applications in December, while the BJP and JDS are still preparing. R. Ashok, Leader of the Opposition, stated that the Congress would be defeated in the GBA election, accusing them of turning Bengaluru into a "garbage city" and a "pothole city". He asserted that the BJP is fully prepared for the election and confident of winning. A Congress leader responded that their work and development projects would be their response to the BJP.
The return of municipal elections has brought relief after a prolonged political vacuum. Former councillors acknowledged that the absence of an elected local body weakened grassroots governance and distanced citizens from centers of power. The election opens opportunities for new entrants, especially young people, to engage with governance. The 50% reservation for women is seen as an empowering step that could bring meaningful change to local politics. However, concerns have been raised about the delimitation process, with allegations that wards were split arbitrarily to favor political convenience. Despite these concerns, there is excitement on the ground as political activity resumes.
