Karnataka local body poll dates out; elections to be held in 2 phases

Karnataka State Election Commission on Monday announced polls to 5,762 out of the total 6,004 gram panchayats. The polling will take place in the state in two phases on December 22 and 27; keeping in mind the prevailing Covid-19 situation.

The results for both phases will be declared on December 30. In all there are about 2.97 crore electors who can vote to elect 92,121 gram panchayat members for which 45,128 polling booths will be set up, and over 2.70 lakh polling officials will be deployed. Voting will be held between 7 am to 5 pm on polling days.

State Election Commissioner B Basavaraju said the model code of conduct has come into immediate effect with the announcement of the poll schedule. While the election notification will be issued for first and second phase on December 7 and 11 respectively, last date for filing of nominations will be December 11 and 16, and December 14 and 19 will be the last date for withdrawal of nominations.

The announcement comes after the High Court recently providing three weeks time, had asked the poll panel to announce the dates for gram panchayat polls.

Reacting to announcement of gram panchayat polls, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said these polls are as crucial as assembly and Lok Sabha polls as it helps in strengthening the organisation from the grassroot level.

“We will take utmost interest in these polls, though candidates will not face this election on party symbol, we want candidates supported by us to win,” he added.