The Mysuru government has released the draft reservation list for zilla panchayat (ZP) and taluk panchayat (TP) constituencies, a move that has intensified political activity by the Congress, JD(S), and BJP in the district. Under the new draft, the number of ZP seats in Mysuru has been reduced to 46 from 53, while TP seats have increased to 163. Rural development and panchayat raj minister Eshwara Khandre has announced plans to hold these long-pending rural body elections by the end of the year, prompting parties and aspirants to begin preparations. The tenure of the previous zilla panchayat ended in December 2021.
The announcement has triggered renewed enthusiasm among probable contestants seeking party tickets, including those whose constituencies have changed due to the reservation updates. In the previous draft, Mysuru district had 46 ZP seats and 160 TP seats, which had invited objections. Historically, Mysuru ZP had 46 seats two decades ago, a number that was later increased to 49 and then to 53 in 2021.
According to the latest draft notification, the distribution of ZP seats is as follows: Mysuru, T Narasipura, Periyapatna, and Hunsur taluks each have six seats; Nanjangud has nine; KR Nagar has three; Saligrama and HD Kote have four each; and Saragur taluk has two. Regarding reservations, out of the 46 ZP seats, 23 are reserved for women, 10 for scheduled castes, and 7 for the scheduled tribe. Of the 163 TP seats, 84 are reserved for women.