Karnataka local body elections: Local body polls become prestige battle for Congress

Bengaluru: With local body elections scheduled to be held in Karnataka ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections, political parties have stepped up their activities. The Congress, BJP and JD(S) have already begun preparations to reach out to voters, with the elections emerging as an important political exercise for the ruling Congress.

The Congress is taking the Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat and Gram Panchayat elections seriously. With the Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections expected towards the end of the year or early next year, the party has begun preparations behind the scenes. While KPCC president BK Hariprasad is undertaking a statewide padayatra, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has been making frequent visits to district headquarters.

Hariprasad has already launched a padayatra under the banner of ‘Bharat Jodo 2.0’ and has begun his outreach from the constituency of the BJP state president. The campaign is reportedly receiving a positive response. Meanwhile, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has been travelling continuously to districts and taluk headquarters in the name of public service and listening to people’s grievances.

Shivakumar has been making regular district visits rather than restricting his activities to Bengaluru. During these visits, he has been highlighting the government’s guarantee schemes, while a series of programmes are being organised for the inauguration of development works and under the banner of public service.

The outreach is also aimed at strengthening the party’s connect with voters. Both leaders are facing the political challenge of demonstrating their leadership at a time when the upcoming local body elections are being viewed as an important indicator ahead of the next Assembly elections.

A strong performance by the Congress in local body elections would provide a political boost to the party. The elections are also significant for Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and KPCC president BK Hariprasad as they seek to consolidate the party organisation across the state.

At a time when Opposition parties are attempting to shape public opinion on the Congress government’s performance, the outcome of these elections is expected to be closely watched. The measures the Congress leadership adopts in preparation for the local body polls will therefore be a key focus in the coming days.