Tue Dec 31 00:33:00 UTC 2024: ## Bengaluru’s BBMP Elections Remain Stalled After Four Years

**Bengaluru, December 31, 2024** – The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) remains without an elected council four years after the previous term ended in September 2020, sparking widespread criticism and concern among citizens and activists. The delay, attributed to a series of legal challenges, changes in ward delimitation, and the introduction of a new governance bill, has left residents struggling to address local issues without proper representation.

Initially, the number of wards was increased to 243, then reduced to 225, further complicating the electoral process. A High Court directive to hold elections within six weeks of publishing the reservation list was overturned after a government appeal to the Supreme Court. The introduction of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill in 2024, currently under review by a 14-member committee, has further postponed the elections, with no clear timeline for when they might be held.

Former councillors from both the Congress and BJP parties expressed frustration at the lack of political will to conduct the elections. Abdul Wajid (Congress) questioned the need for the Greater Bengaluru Authority and urged the government to hold elections in 2025. N.R Ramesh (BJP) highlighted the lack of interest among MLAs, claiming only one actively supports the elections. Civic activists echoed these concerns, pointing to the difficulties faced by citizens in resolving local issues without elected representatives to voice their needs. They criticized both the ruling party and the opposition for the prolonged delay, emphasizing the importance of local representation for effective governance. The ongoing absence of an elected council continues to hinder Bengaluru’s progress and leaves its citizens without a voice in their local government.

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