Bengaluru Residents Welcome Supreme Court's Civic Polls Deadline
The Supreme Court's directive to complete civic polls in Bengaluru by June 30 has brought a wave of relief among resident welfare associations across the city. Bengalureans now anticipate that political and bureaucratic machinery will accelerate efforts to address long-standing urban issues.
Citizens Hope for Swift Urban Improvements
Residents express strong hope that this electoral timeline will push authorities to fix potholes, create pedestrian-friendly pavements, resolve garbage management problems, and ensure proper street lighting throughout the city. Many believe the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority polls will force political candidates to actively campaign in neighborhoods, bringing much-needed attention to local concerns.
"We're confident the city will receive a significant facelift during the election period," stated representatives from various resident welfare associations. "Political functionaries and aspiring corporators will walk our streets again, making them more aware of ground realities."
Key Demands from Bengaluru Citizens
Greater accountability, long-term urban planning, and meaningful local representation top the list of citizen expectations. The Times of India spoke with numerous city enthusiasts who shared their perspectives on what the civic polls should achieve.
Naresh Sadasivan from Bruhat Muthanallur Residents' Forum emphasized the need for forward-looking development. "This deadline provides a much-needed breather for citizens. The Greater Bengaluru Authority must prepare a city ready for the next two decades," he said. "We face climate-related challenges that require immediate attention, yet the city continues to ignore them while undergoing drastic changes."
Sadasivan called for integrated public infrastructure to reduce mobility needs and traffic congestion. "Essential services should be available in one place. GBA must invest seriously in urban planning and infrastructure. Councillors must understand citizen needs like last-mile connectivity, bus shelters, footpaths, and public toilets."
Ward Committees and Local Accountability
Swarna Venkatraman, a core member of I Change Indiranagar, expressed happiness about the upcoming elections. "We're very pleased elections are finally happening. Ward-level representatives will now raise local issues effectively," she said. "Ward committee meetings will finally receive proper attention. However, we expect these committees to function meaningfully rather than becoming mere grievance forums where citizens speak but the government remains silent."
Venkatraman stressed that local functionaries must be held accountable during these meetings. Sasikala Polishetty, president of Shantinagar RWA, echoed this sentiment while highlighting waste management concerns. "It's a relief that elections are finally occurring. Waste segregation and structured governance must become key focus areas," she stated. "Previous elected governments showed clear lack of responsibility and ownership over development. This must change. Road and infrastructure works need faster implementation, and governance requires better control."
Fresh Faces and Environmental Focus
Parvathi Sriram, former president of Koramangala 4th Block, advocated for new political representation. "This election should bring new faces. Those who already served two or three terms should step aside and allow others to run the wards," she suggested. "This rotation will bring greater accountability. Councillors must focus more on environmental issues and ensure previous government lapses are not repeated."
Sriram proposed treating councillors like private organization employees with fair salaries to motivate sincere work for the system. Vasantha Chandra from Malleswaram RWA emphasized electoral transparency. "Electoral rolls must be updated, and GBA polls should be conducted transparently," she said. "Voter turnout needs improvement. Candidates should develop stronger local connections and understand ward-specific needs like sub-arterial roads, footpath improvements, and internal road enhancements."
Ward Governance and Budget Accountability
Poornima Shetty, president of United RWAs of Konena Agrahara, highlighted the importance of capable ward committees. "Ward committees must comprise responsible members who genuinely represent residents, govern effectively, and face accountability for their decisions," she asserted. "Ward budgets should be discussed with citizen representatives before finalization. Engineers must be held accountable for quality, transparency, and execution of all development works."
Across Bengaluru, resident welfare groups unite in their expectation that the Supreme Court's deadline will catalyze substantial urban improvements. They view the upcoming civic polls as a crucial opportunity to address infrastructure deficiencies, enhance local governance, and create a more livable city for all residents.
