Overview

• Deccan Chronicle reports the Governor has not approved the amendments to lift the 50% cap on total reservations that would enable a 42% quota for Backward Classes in local bodies.
• The state clarified that only separate bills merging certain gram panchayats into municipalities received assent after confusion over a communiqué suggesting wider approval.
• The two pending measures seek to amend the Panchayat Raj and Municipalities Acts to remove the ceiling adopted in line with Supreme Court guidance.
• The High Court has set September 30 as the deadline to complete local body polls, and the government is preparing to seek an extension citing the bills’ pendency.
• The Congress government maintains it will not proceed with elections under the existing framework and reiterates its commitment to a 42% quota for BCs.