BELAGAVI- The largest district of Karnataka- Belagavi, with 91 ZP (Zilla Panchayat) and 304 TP(Taluk Panchayat) seats, is abuzz with activity as candidate begin their groundwork, after the government hints at conducting zilla panchayat and taluk panchayat elections.
The elections are considered to be scheduled in April. The government has approved to conduct the Zilla Pachayat and Taluk Panchayat elections once again, three years after the previous term came to an end. The previous term of the office of the ZP and TP representatives elected in the year 2016 elections and ended in the year 2021.
The government announced that the ZP and TP elections will be held in April,2025. This decision and development has reignited the political aspirations of numerous leaders in the region.
The State Election Commission has implemented the amended provisions of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and the Panchayat Raj Act to redefine the boundaries of ZP and TP constituencies . The coverage of these constituencies varies according to factors like population, villages, and number of gram panchayats.
These changes and amendments have increased the strength of Zilla Panchayat rising from ninety members (90) to ninety-one (91) after the revision. Similarly, the Taluk Panchayat has undergo changes and is now reduced from three hundred forty-five (345) members to three hundred four (304) members. The list of members in the BJP and Congress members is large.
Historically, the BJP emerged victorious in 2016 elections. However, with the congress currently holding sway over most of the district’s MLA’s, the political landscape promises to be dynamic this time.
As soon as the government announced the date of elections, a fresh way wave of activity arose among political parties and members . With the confirmed election date set, there are all sign of the election being vibrant and colorful.
Among the 15 taluks of the district, the taluk of Belagavi is eleven (11) with the highest number of ZP constituencies whereas the new Yaragati taluk has only two (2) constituencies. There are 35 TP constituencies in Belagavi Taluk and nine (9) each in Yaragati Kagwad, and Kittur taluk panchayat.
The Congress and BJP leaders have expressed their confidence that loyal party workers are likely to secure tickets for the upcoming elections.
The district leader of Congress, Arjun Nayakwadi from Raibag acknowledged the growing number of aspirants contesting the ZP and TP elections. He stated that specific criteria has been set for the selection of the candidates.
The final decision of the this matter will be taken by Minister Satish Jarkiholi.