Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Ishwar Khandre on Saturday said that the gram, taluk and zilla panchayat polls in the state are likely to be held in October or November.
He said that once the delimitation process is completed and the reservation matrix is determined, the proposal will be submitted to the State Election Commission.
“All the constituencies are now being identified and finalizing the reservation for taluks and zilla panchayats. This has been discussed in the cabinet, the chief minister and all the ministers are interested in holding polls for gram, taluks and zilla panchayats,” Khanderi said.
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Speaking to reporters here, he said: “I want to tell people that all the gram, taluk and zilla panchayat polls will be held in October or November.”
Responding to a question about the delay in the urban local body elections, he said that government functionaries were currently busy with the SIR (Special Intensive Review) process and hence additional time was sought.
The minister claimed that the central government did not release them $Rs 2,186.20 crore is due to Karnataka gram panchayats under the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission.
He said it was not appropriate for the Center to withhold funds due to technical problems related to the software. He urged Karnataka MPs to collectively raise their voices on the issue.
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Khandari said there was no shortage of funds to provide drinking water to rural areas.
“The government has already released $117 Crores. In addition, the Prime Minister announced $1 crore for each assembly constituency during the recent Belagavi ward meeting. Therefore, despite the drought conditions, there should be no financial difficulty in ensuring water supply.”
He also appealed to people to use water wisely and avoid waste, noting that water is essential for life and that many areas are currently facing shortages.
The minister said that despite financial constraints, the state government introduced a new rural employment guarantee scheme, VB-G RAM G, which replaced MGNREGA, to benefit the poor, Dalits, marginalized communities and rural families through employment guarantee. Therefore, he said, there is no need for people to migrate in search of work.
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When asked about the statement of the Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which stated that the “One Nation, One Election” mechanism could be ready for implementation by 2029, Khandre criticized the central government, alleging that it was following an authoritarian approach and wanted complete control over the country.
He said that the Congress Party had already clarified its position on the issue and that its position was the same as that of the party.
