Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar confirmed that elections for civic bodies under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) will adhere to court directives. Speaking near the GBA office, Shivakumar emphasized the importance of following the court’s instructions for the upcoming corporation elections within the GBA jurisdiction. He also mentioned that the focus is on public welfare during challenging times, rather than revenue calculations, to support those affected by economic difficulties.
Shivakumar expressed concern over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) question paper leak, labeling it a significant national embarrassment. He called for accountability from Union ministers and Members of Parliament regarding the issue, highlighting the distress faced by students and parents affected by the exam cancellation. Additionally, he criticized the lack of response from authorities compared to the expected reactions if a similar incident had occurred in the state.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, alleged internal conflicts between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar regarding the GBA elections. Kumaraswamy accused the Chief Minister of attempting to proceed with the polls, while Shivakumar reportedly opposed conducting the elections. The state government’s move to seek a postponement of the elections, citing the ongoing census exercise, has further fueled the political tensions surrounding the election process.
