Karnatakagram panchayat electionsPriyank Khargerural developmentdrinking water scarcity
Karnataka to Hold Gram Panchayat Elections Before End of 2026, Says Minister Priyank Kharge
Published: May 9, 2026
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Karnataka will hold gram panchayat elections before the end of 2026, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said in Kalaburagi on Saturday. The deadline for filing objections to gram panchayat delimitation has expired, allowing the state government to proceed with election preparations.
Following the gram panchayat polls, elections to taluk and zilla panchayats will be conducted, Kharge confirmed. He provided no specific timeline for those elections but stated the process would begin after the initial phase is completed.
On water scarcity in Kalaburagi, Kharge said the government has allocated ₹5 crore to each district for drinking water management, with additional funds available as needed. The Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board has approved ₹17.3 crore for water projects in the district. Task forces led by MLAs are overseeing implementation based on local recommendations.
Kharge, along with local MLAs, has requested Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to release drinking water from the Bhima River through Maharashtra to mitigate summer shortages. He added that the state cabinet expansion would be decided by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party leadership at an appropriate time.
The election process will advance once delimitation is finalized, with official notifications expected in the coming weeks.