D K Shivakumar speaks to reporters outside his Sadashivanagar residence in Bengaluru on October 20. Screenshot: CMO Karnataka video.
Bengaluru: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said he had instructed ministers to begin Bengaluru civic poll preparations, warning that the Election Commission could announce the polls at any time.
Responding to questions outside his Sadashivanagar residence on Tuesday, October 20, about his meeting with ministers the previous day, Shivakumar said preparations were necessary in view of the approaching elections.
Bengaluru civic poll preparations: Voters’ list expected October 27
“The Election Commission will also release a new voters’ list on the 27th. There is a Supreme Court directive regarding local body elections by December 31. Shouldn’t we make preparations in Bengaluru city?” he said.
“The Election Commission may announce elections at any time. Hence, I have instructed the ministers to prepare for the polls,” he added.
His remarks set out the government’s preparations and his account of the electoral timetable; the statement did not announce polling dates.
Background (February 19): Shivakumar’s call for street- and house-wise checks to correct Bengaluru voter-list errors.
Road, drinking water grants and talks with Bengaluru MLAs
Shivakumar said the Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru had decided to provide funds to address road and drinking water problems at the panchayat level. MLAs had been asked to submit reports for funding, he said, adding that he had also spoken with Bengaluru legislators about grants.
Separate talks planned on sugarcane growers’ concerns
On the problems facing sugarcane growers, Shivakumar called for farmers, sugar factories and the government to work together, saying the responsibility could not be placed on one individual. Both farmers and factories needed to remain viable, he said.
He said he would speak separately with farmers and factory owners and invite Union ministers, MPs and ministers from the affected region to a meeting on a mutually convenient date. An appointment sought with the Centre to discuss drought relief had not yet been fixed, he added.
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