Govt will not file appeal against abolition of ACB: CM Bommai
Bengaluru, Aug 23: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday ruled out filing an appeal questioning the abolition of the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) by the Karnataka High Court.
When his attention was drawn to an individual who had filed a petition in the Supreme Court questioning the high court verdict to abolish the ACB and restore the powers of the Lokayukta police wing, the Chief Minister said there is no connection between that individual and the government.
"The government's stand is very clear. The party is also of the stand not to file the appeal. The BJP election manifesto too had favoured the abolition of ACB and we will abide by it," Bommai said.
"The process of implementing the court's order has started. So the question of filing an appeal does not arise. Even the State Cabinet has decided not to file the appeal," he added.
The judgement of the HC's Division Bench of Justice B Veerappa and Justice K S Hemalekha had come on August 11, on a petition challenging the ACB's formation and the subsequent March 16, 2016 government order withdrawing the powers of the Lokayukta police from registering and investigating cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The formation of the ACB through an "executive order" is not justified and constitutional, the judgement said. "With this, the ACB stands abolished."
Bommai, in response to a question, said the ruling BJP's 'Janotsava' rally will be held in Doddaballapura on September 8.
At a recent meeting, the party had decided to organise seven mega Janotsava rallies in different parts of the state like Hubballi, Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Doddaballapura, Shivamogga, and in Kalyana Karnataka region. The rallies would be held between the first week of September and mid-October, and the first one at Doddaballapura.
Planned to showcase the achievements of the government, the Janatsova was to be held on July 28 to mark the completion of the BJP being in power for three years and Bommai's one year as Chief Minister. It was cancelled following outrage over BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Nettar's murder in Dakshina Kannada on July 26.
Replying to Leader of the Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah's allegation that the BJP was trying to disrupt the agitations, like it did in Kodagu by imposing prohibitory orders, Bommai said, "Siddaramaiah is in great confusion. It all started with his confusing statements."
"Did we say that the picture of Savarkar must not be put in the Muslim area? It was Siddaramaiah who said it and created confusion, and we we are not responsible for it," he said.
Asked about Siddaramaiah's statement that not only eggs but stones were also hurled at his convoy during his recent visit to Kodagu and the protest against him was government sponsored, the Chief Minister said, "It is a big lie. Already instructions are given for the investigation on the incident and he has also been given protection. There is no need for the government to do such things."
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Karnataka: GBA city corporation polls likely between June 14 and 24
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka State Election Commissioner G S Sangreshi on Friday said elections to the five city corporations under the GBA will be held anytime between June 14 and June 24.
He said the exact date for the polls will be announced after a week, asserting that the power to postpone the elections, as requested by GBA authorities, lies with the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court had directed the Karnataka government and the State Election Commission to conduct Bengaluru local body elections by June 30.
On Friday, the SEC held a consultation meeting with the GBA Chief Commissioner and commissioners of the five city corporations regarding the election schedule, as per the provisions of the GBA Act.
“During the meeting, I informed GBA officials that only the election date has to be fixed, as all other measures and formalities for conducting the polls have already been completed,” Sangreshi said.
“They requested the Commission to consider factors such as rains, exams, census work, SIR, and manpower shortages while fixing the date and sought additional time,” he added.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said, “I told them this meeting was not for seeking time. Elections to the five corporations under the GBA must be held before June 30, as directed by the Supreme Court, and a compliance report must be submitted to the court. I do not have the power to postpone the elections as requested.”
The Supreme Court has already given a “final opportunity,” and both the SEC and the government must comply with its directions, the State Election Commissioner said.
He asked GBA officials to suggest suitable dates between June 14 and June 24.
“While stating that they are ready for elections, the officials highlighted operational challenges, including manpower shortages. However, I have informed them that the elections will have to be held between June 14 and June 24. After a week, I will announce the final date,” he said.
Reiterating that he does not have the power to postpone the elections, Sangreshi said the authority rests with the Supreme Court, and elections must be conducted as scheduled.
“We have consulted the GBA as per the rules. It is up to them to suggest a date within the given window. If they need more time, they must approach the court. Our responsibility is to fix the date and complete the polls before June 30,” he said.
The matter regarding manpower and other concerns raised by GBA officials is already before the Supreme Court, and the State Election Commission has also filed a petition in this regard. The case is yet to be heard.
“Since the matter has not come up for hearing, the earlier order remains binding. Therefore, preparations are underway,” he added.
The tenure of the previous elected body under the erstwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) ended on September 10, 2020, and since then, a government-appointed administrator has been managing its day-to-day affairs.
Bengaluru was divided into five municipal corporations—Central, East, West, North, and South—under the Greater Bengaluru Authority in September 2025, replacing the BBMP.
Sangreshi had earlier said that elections to the five corporations would be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines.
This follows the Congress government’s decision last September to recommend the use of ballot papers in all future panchayat and urban local body elections, citing concerns over declining public confidence in EVMs.
The state government subsequently enacted the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2026, paving the way for the use of ballot papers in local body elections.
