Karnataka Politics & Governance

Karnataka Cabinet Approves Bidadi Township Project

1 May 2026

The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Bidadi township project, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on 1 May. The report gave no implementation schedule.

High Court Allows SSLC Passers to Enrol in Specified Paramedical Diplomas

1 May 2026

The Karnataka High Court issued an interim order allowing students who passed SSLC to seek admission to specified paramedical diploma courses in the 2026–27 academic year. These include laboratory technology, optometry technology, health inspection and imaging technology.

Key Facts

• The NCAHP is India’s regulatory body for allied and healthcare professionals.

Karnataka Considers Law on Paid Menstrual Leave

1 May 2026

The Karnataka government told the High Court it was considering legislation providing one day of paid menstrual leave for women employees in establishments registered under various labour laws. The statement came during challenges to the State’s November 2025 notification, and the Court adjourned the case until after its summer recess.

BAMUL to Supply Nandini Ghee to Tirupati Under ₹136-Crore Tender

1 May 2026

The Bengaluru Cooperative Milk Union (BAMUL) said it would supply 2,000 tonnes of Nandini ghee to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams under a ₹136-crore tender over six months. BAMUL said the tankers would use digital locks that could be opened at the destination to help safeguard the ghee during transit.

Karnataka Plans Smart Cards for Shakti Scheme Beneficiaries

1 May 2026

Karnataka planned to issue smart cards to beneficiaries of the Shakti scheme, with distribution targeted to begin through Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation in June before expanding to other state transport corporations. The cards were intended to provide access to free bus travel under Shakti and could also be used for metro journeys after recharging.

Key Facts

• The Shakti Scheme provides free bus travel to Karnataka-domiciled women and transgender residents.

Postal-Ballot Recount Changes Sringeri Assembly Result

2 May 2026

A High Court-directed recount of postal ballots in the Sringeri Assembly constituency changed the result in favour of BJP candidate D.N. Jeevaraj, who was declared elected and received a certificate from the returning officer on 4 May. The recount gave him a reported 52-vote lead over Congress candidate T.D. Rajegowda.

Key Facts

• Postal voting is limited to specified eligible categories, including armed-forces and state-police personnel, their spouses, and government employees posted abroad.

Karnataka Announces Proposed Land Allocation for Applied Materials

2 May 2026

Karnataka announced a proposed allocation of 140 acres in Bengaluru Signature Business Park, near Kempegowda International Airport, for semiconductor company Applied Materials. The reported terms included a lease-and-sale basis and a rate of ₹1,288 per square foot, but the allocation remained subject to legal approvals and final price determination.

Key Facts

• Applied Materials supplies equipment, services and software used to manufacture semiconductor chips.

High Court Directs Karnataka to Consider 30 Police Officers for SP Promotions

2 May 2026

The Karnataka High Court directed the state government to consider 30 non-IPS police officers for promotion to the Superintendent of Police cadre, subject to available vacancies and Departmental Promotion Committee recommendations. The government must decide within two months, taking account of the applicable service rules and obtaining the Home Minister’s approval; the court partly allowed the state’s challenge to an earlier tribunal order.

Karnataka Extends Property-Tax Rebate Deadline to 31 May

3 May 2026

Karnataka extended until 31 May 2026 the 5% rebate for full payment of 2026–27 property tax in city municipal councils, town municipalities and town panchayats. The extension was issued by government order under the Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964.

The Directorate of Municipal Administration recommended extending the period to give taxpayers more time and encourage payment. The state expected the extension to support property-tax revenue collection by urban local bodies.

Key Facts

• The rebate extension was issued under Section 105(1) of the Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964.

100-Bed ESIC Hospital Inaugurated at Doddaballapur

4 May 2026

A 100-bed Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital was inaugurated in the Bashettihalli industrial area of Doddaballapur. The hospital building was reported to have cost about ₹101 crore and is intended to provide medical services to workers and their dependants in the region.

The hospital had nine specialist doctors, along with nursing and technical staff. It was initially operating under the ...