Bengaluru civic polls face fresh uncertainty despite SC’s deadline extension

The Supreme Court extended the deadline for Bengaluru civic polls to Dec 31, 2026, but fresh uncertainty remains.

The state government cited the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls for the delay, but the revised schedule may make the year-end deadline unachievable.

Final electoral rolls are expected only in Oct 2026, leaving barely two months for ward-wise roll preparation, notifications, and polling.

Political observers note Congress has little incentive to risk an electoral setback in Bengaluru, where BJP is traditionally dominant, ahead of the 2028 assembly polls.

Delays are also driven by cross-party reluctance to restore elected bodies, as local MLAs currently wield greater control over civic work and development funds.