Political battle lines drawn ahead of long-delayed Bengaluru civic polls

Bengaluru will finally witness civic body elections after a five-year gap, as the Supreme Court on Monday directed the State government to conduct the polls by June 30. Political parties had already begun preparing in anticipation of the ruling.

The Congress is well ahead, having called for applications in December, while the BJP and JD(S) are still in the preparatory stage.

‘Good news, at last’

Abdul Wajid, former corporator and petitioner in the Supreme Court case, told The Hindu that local leaders were pleased with the judgement.

“After five years and four months, we finally have good news, and it feels great. Our local pool of leaders is very enthusiastic and is preparing well through a series of meetings and planning sessions,” Mr. Wajid said. He is currently the president overseeing the Congress’ preparations for the civic polls in 72 wards of north Bengaluru.

“We have already received 1,100 applications (for all 369 wards) for the polls and are reviewing them,” Mr. Wajid told The Hindu.

Ramalinga Reddy, Minister for Transport and MLA for BTM Layout, said the Congress held its first official meeting in south Bengaluru on Monday to plan the way forward.

“We are preparing a manifesto and a list of our achievements, which will be released once the reservation process is completed and candidates are announced. Our response to the BJP will be the work we have done over the last few years and the development projects we have planned,” Mr. Reddy told The Hindu.

‘Will teach lesson’

R. Ashok, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and MLA for Padmanabhanagar, said the Congress is guaranteed to be defeated in the GBA election.

“The people of Bengaluru are waiting to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress, which has tarnished Bengaluru by turning our city from a global city into a garbage city, a pothole city, and a city of goons,” he said. “The BJP is fully prepared for the GBA election, and we are confident that Bengaluru’s voters will bless the BJP with overwhelming support,” he added.