The process for the long-awaited Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections has moved a step forward with the Urban Development Department publishing the draft reservation list for 369 wards under the GBA limits.
With this development, momentum has picked up for local body elections that have been pending for months.
According to officials, the draft list is now open for public objections. Citizens, political parties and prospective candidates have 15 days to submit objections, with the deadline set for 5.30 pm on January 21. After reviewing the objections, the final reservation list is expected to be published by the end of January.
Major Hurdle Cleared for GBA Elections
Ward delimitation, boundary demarcation and geographic reorganisation within the GBA limits have already been completed. The publication of the reservation list was the final pending step in this phase. With the draft now released, a significant procedural hurdle has been cleared, bringing the announcement of election dates closer.
Officials from the Urban Development Department said the reservation process has been carried out strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and existing government regulations. Reservations have been allotted based on categories including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes, women and general category.
Reservation Details for 369 Wards Across Five Corporations
The reservation list has been published separately for the five municipal corporations under the GBA.
Bangalore South City Corporation
Total wards: 72
SC: 7
ST: 1
Backward Class A: 19
Backward Class B: 5
General: 20
50% of wards reserved for women
Bangalore North City Corporation
Total wards: 72
SC: 9
ST: 2
Backward Class A: 19
Backward Class B: 5
General: 5
Bangalore West City Corporation
Total wards: 112
SC: 9
ST: 2
Backward Class A: 30
Backward Class B: 7
General: 64
Bangalore Central City Corporation
Total wards: 63
SC: 1
ST: 1
Backward Class A: 15
Backward Class B: 4
General: 32
Bangalore East City Corporation
Total wards: 50
SC: 7
ST: 1
Backward Class A: 14
Backward Class B: 3
General: 25
Objection Process and Emphasis on Transparency
During the objection period, stakeholders are allowed to raise concerns regarding reservation criteria, classification or demographic factors. GBA officials said public participation has been prioritised to ensure transparency throughout the process.
The announcement has triggered heightened activity in political circles. With reservation status changing in several wards, both sitting councillors and new aspirants are reassessing their strategies. While some political leaders believe elections could be announced soon, others say clarity will emerge only after the final reservation list is released.
Nevertheless, the publication of the draft reservation list is widely seen as a major step towards the GBA elections. In the coming weeks, scrutiny of objections, the release of the final list and the announcement of the election schedule are expected, potentially bringing long-awaited clarity to Bengaluru’s local governance by the end of January.
