Belagavi prepares for zilla and taluk panchayat elections as candidates launch campaigns

Belagavi is preparing for zilla panchayat (ZP) and taluk panchayat (TP) elections set for April. Candidates have begun their campaigns as the government confirmed elections after a three-year gap since the last representatives' term ended in 2021. The State Election Commission is revising constituencies based on population and local governance. The ZP will now have 91 members, while the TP will have 304, down from 345. The political landscape has shifted, with Congress currently in power. Both Congress and BJP are seeing increased interest from candidates. Party leaders are confident about securing tickets for loyal members. Selection criteria focus on community connection and service attitude, as stated by Congress district leader Arjun Nayakwadi.