In a major push for administrative efficiency and political renewal, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed on Monday (Jan 19) that the state government is actively considering a simultaneous election model for all local bodies.

The proposed "Triple-Tier" formula ‘One Village, One Election’ aims to hold elections for Gram, Taluk, and Zilla Panchayats alongside the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).

The Push for Synchronized Governance

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar emphasized that the government is constitutionally committed to restoring elected rule at the grassroots level.

"Our government is ready to conduct elections as per constitutional mandates. We are thinking of conducting the Greater Bengaluru polls together with all other local body elections to streamline the process," the Deputy CM stated.

Defending the Shift to Ballot Papers

Addressing the State Election Commission's (SEC) recent decision to ditch EVMs for paper ballots in local polls, Shivakumar saw no fault in the move.

Prioritizing Voter Turnout: He argued that the method of voting whether digital or paper is secondary to the goal of increasing voter participation.

Transparency: He noted that using ballot papers is a legitimate practice that ensures transparency and addresses public concerns regarding the sanctity of the vote. GoPro HERO12 Waterproof Action Camera with Front & Rear LCD Screens, 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, HyperSmooth 6.0 + AutoBoost, Live Streaming with Enduro Battery (1-Yr International + 1-Yr India Warranty)

Empowering the New Generation

A key highlight of the Deputy CM’s statement was the focus on youth leadership. Shivakumar underscored the need for a "generational shift" in rural and urban politics.

Fresh Faces: "Power must reach the youth. We want the new generation to step into leadership roles through these five city corporations and the panchayat bodies," he remarked.

Resolution of Disputes: He confirmed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other cabinet ministers are working to resolve long-standing hurdles regarding reservation quotas and ward delimitation to ensure a smooth election process.

The government’s proposal will now be coordinated with the State Election Commission. With the SEC already releasing the draft voter rolls for Bengaluru, the political machinery in Karnataka is shifting into high gear for what is being called the "Mini-General Election" of 2026. Also Read: Digital Shield: Satish Venkatasubbu’s Handbook on Cyber Crime Prevention Becomes a Vital Resource