GBA Elections Likely in February 2026, Karnataka Govt.’s Informs Supreme Court
Bengaluru: After years of delay, elections for the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) are likely to be held in February 2026, according to a detailed timeline submitted by the Karnataka government to the Supreme Court. The commitment, provided in an affidavit, outlines the final steps for ward delimitation and reservation that are expected to conclude by the end of November this year, paving the way for the State Election Commission to begin its preparatory work.
The previous BBMP council, which had 198 wards, saw its term expire in September 2020. Since then, the civic body has been run by administrators, with multiple legal and administrative hurdles postponing the polls. The state government has now affirmed its commitment to completing all prerequisite processes under the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act.
Government Submits Concrete Timeline
In an ongoing case before the apex court, the government’s affidavit provides a clear schedule for the pending tasks. A notification for the establishment of five new city corporations under the GBA framework was issued on July 19, with the deadline for public objections set for August 18. Following scrutiny, a final notification is expected by September 2.
The two most critical steps are the final notifications for ward delimitation and ward reservation, which the government has committed to completing by November 1 and November 30, respectively. These steps are essential for the State Election Commission (SEC) to begin its preparations.
Election Commission Seeks Time for Preparations
State Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi confirmed that the poll body is ready to initiate its work, but only after the government completes its responsibilities. “We will begin our process from November 1, once the government completes its responsibilities related to delimitation and ward reservation,” Sangreshi stated.
He also highlighted a crucial legal ambiguity in the new Act concerning the use of electoral rolls. “The Act is silent on the use of electoral rolls,” he noted. “We have written to the Urban Development Department seeking clarification. We are, however, equipped to generate voter rolls within the framework of the law.”
The SEC has requested approximately two to three months from the November 1 deadline to carry out key tasks such as updating voter rolls, reassigning voters to new wards, and preparing polling logistics, which aligns with the projected February 2026 election timeline.
Political Leaders Await Official Notification
Former BBMP Opposition Leader Abdul Wajid echoed the timeline, emphasizing that the official preparatory work can only begin after the reservation list is finalized. “Only after November 30 will the real groundwork start,” said Wajid. “The Election Commission has to carry out tasks such as voter surveys and ward-wise adjustments, which will take about two months. Therefore, elections cannot be held immediately.”
Wajid further added that if the government adheres to the schedule provided in its affidavit, the GBA elections would most likely take place in February 2026.
Pending Polls in Other Cities
The GBA elections are not the only ones pending in Karnataka. Civic polls in several other key cities, including Mysuru, Tumakuru, Davangere, Shivamogga, and Mangaluru, have also been overdue for more than two years. A petition concerning the timeline for these elections is scheduled to be heard by the court in the coming days.
