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Gram panchayat elections in Karnataka will be held before end of 2026, says Minister Priyank Kharge
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge announced that gram panchayat elections would be held before the end of 2026. He noted the delimitation objections deadline had ended and indicated the election process would begin shortly, with later polls for taluk and zilla panchayats planned. He also referenced MLA-led task forces, water projects, and a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister on Bhima water release.
Why It Matters
The statement outlines the election timetable for Karnataka's local governance bodies and highlights ongoing water-management and delimitation steps tied to the elections.
Timeline
7 Events
Cabinet expansion discussed; decision to be taken by CM and party leadership
May 9, 2026
When asked about the expansion of the State Cabinet, Kharge reiterated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party high command would take an appropriate decision at the right time.
Meeting with Deputy Chief Minister on Bhima water release
May 9, 2026
Kharge, along with MLAs M.Y. Patil and B.R. Patil, met Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar seeking the release of drinking water from the Bhima river through Maharashtra to address summer water scarcity in the district.
Drinking water works to be taken up based on MLA recommendations
May 9, 2026
Drinking water works were being taken up based on the recommendations of the MLA-led task forces.
MLA-led task forces constituted
May 9, 2026
Kharge said task forces headed by MLAs had been constituted.
Elections to taluk and zilla panchayats planned after gram panchayat polls
May 9, 2026
He said that after the gram panchayat elections, elections to taluk and zilla panchayats would also be conducted.
Delimitation objections deadline ended
May 9, 2026
Kharge said the deadline for filing objections regarding gram panchayat delimitation had ended, and the process for holding elections would be taken up shortly.
Gram panchayat elections to be held before end of 2026
May 9, 2026
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge told reporters in Kalaburagi that the state government would conduct gram panchayat elections before the end of the current calendar year (2026).