Bengaluru will have civic body elections by June 30, 2026, as the Supreme Court has directed the State government to hold polls after a five-year gap. Political parties had already started preparing for the elections. The Congress is leading the race, having called for applications since December. They have received 1,100 applications so far for the 369 wards, said Abdul Wajid, Congress president for north Bengaluru wards. “After five years and four months, we finally have good news, and it feels great,” Wajid told The Hindu. He also said local leaders are enthusiastic and planning well. In south Bengaluru, the Congress held its first official meeting on Monday. Ramalinga Reddy, Congress Transport Minister and MLA, said, “We are preparing a manifesto and a list of our achievements. Our response to the BJP will be the work we have done over the last few years and the development projects we have planned.” On the other hand, the BJP and JD(S) are still getting ready. BJP Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok said the Congress will be defeated. “The people of Bengaluru are waiting to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress, which has tarnished Bengaluru by turning our city from a global city into a garbage city, a pothole city, and a city of goons,” he said. He also claimed that BJP is fully prepared and confident of strong voter support. The Supreme Court’s ruling has brought fresh energy to the local political scene as parties gear up for a keen contest.